About Berryessa Creek, CA

Berryessa Creek is a short stream found in Santa Clara County and more specifically in the San Jose/Milpitas area. The creek is classified as a seasonal stream, meaning that water ceases to flow at some point in the year. Berryessa Creek in particular is constantly dry except for the part of the creek found in Milpitas, where most of its tributaries are located. However, during the rainy season and in winter the creek can overflow. 

The course of its waters starts at Los Bueles Hills where different forks merge into one creek. After crossing Piedmont Road it forms a boundary between Berryessa Creek Park. When it reaches Milpitas, the water is connected to tributaries such as Piedmont, Arroyo de los Coches, and Calera Creek.

The creek is located in the middle of Milpitas and San Jose City. More commonly known today as Silicon Valley, the area was first inhabited by the Native American group, the Ohlones. San Jose became the first city founded by Spanish immigrants during the 18th century and became part of Mexico after its independence from Spain. When California became a state, San Jose was its first capital. In the 20th century after World War II industries around the area transitioned from agriculture to technology and by the 90s had become a center for technology and business.

All About Fishing in Berryessa Creek, CA

As a seasonal stream, parts of the creek will dry up depending on the season. Milpitas however, has enough tributaries to keep the creek flowing with water. Anglers looking to fish in the area will mostly find catfish (black bullhead, channel catfish) and bass (striped, largemouth). 

Bass are one of the most popular game fish for anglers. There are a lot of ways anglers can try to catch them from fly fishing to drift fishing. When preparing to catch either largemouth or striped bass, it’s best to prepare equipment that can handle a lot of weight as largemouth bass can typically weigh up to 20lbs while it is not uncommon to find striped bass that exceeds 20lbs in weight. Rods with a length of 7 to 14 ft are recommended for fly fishing anglers. Using 6 or 8-weight rods with a braided line that can handle up to 20lbs will also help. Largemouth bass are attracted to different types of bait such as minnows, worms, and plugs, while on the other hand, striped bass prefer live bait such as shad, mackerel, squid, or anchovies. Largemouth and striped bass are also different in that striped bass swim in cooler, moving water as opposed to largemouth bass who tend to move around in slow-moving, warm muddy waters. 

Other than bass species of catfish like the channel catfish and the black bullhead can be found in the creek. Channel catfish have perceptive noses that is why most anglers appeal to their sense of smell when using bait. Cheese and stinkbait are often used by anglers as their scent attract them. In contrast, black bullhead will eat just about anything. Black bullhead are hard to find mostly because they’re bottom feeders that are active at night. Anglers who catch a line are in for a tough fight as these fish are known to thrash about until it dies. Bringing sharp hooks also helps as catfish are known to have hard mouths. Using big treble hooks will make an angler's chance of reeling in catfish much better. 

Fishing Seasonality 

From spring until winter, there are plenty of fish to catch in Berryessa Creek. Largemouth bass and black bullhead are best caught during warmer temperatures, specifically after largemouth bass’ spawning season. Striped bass and channel catfish are the opposite as they’re best caught during fall and winter, during cooler temperatures. Though these may be the best time to catch each species, they can be found in the creek year round. 

Fishing Seasonality 

From spring until winter, there are plenty of fish to catch in Berryessa Creek. Largemouth bass and black bullhead are best caught during warmer temperatures, specifically after largemouth bass’ spawning season. Striped bass and channel catfish are the opposite as they’re best caught during fall and winter, during cooler temperatures. Though these may be the best time to catch each species, they can be found in the creek year round. 

All About Fishing in Berryessa Creek, CA

As a seasonal stream, parts of the creek will dry up depending on the season. Milpitas however, has enough tributaries to keep the creek flowing with water. Anglers looking to fish in the area will mostly find catfish (black bullhead, channel catfish) and bass (striped, largemouth). 

Bass are one of the most popular game fish for anglers. There are a lot of ways anglers can try to catch them from fly fishing to drift fishing. When preparing to catch either largemouth or striped bass, it’s best to prepare equipment that can handle a lot of weight as largemouth bass can typically weigh up to 20lbs while it is not uncommon to find striped bass that exceeds 20lbs in weight. Rods with a length of 7 to 14 ft are recommended for fly fishing anglers. Using 6 or 8-weight rods with a braided line that can handle up to 20lbs will also help. Largemouth bass are attracted to different types of bait such as minnows, worms, and plugs, while on the other hand, striped bass prefer live bait such as shad, mackerel, squid, or anchovies. Largemouth and striped bass are also different in that striped bass swim in cooler, moving water as opposed to largemouth bass who tend to move around in slow-moving, warm muddy waters. 

Other than bass species of catfish like the channel catfish and the black bullhead can be found in the creek. Channel catfish have perceptive noses that is why most anglers appeal to their sense of smell when using bait. Cheese and stinkbait are often used by anglers as their scent attract them. In contrast, black bullhead will eat just about anything. Black bullhead are hard to find mostly because they’re bottom feeders that are active at night. Anglers who catch a line are in for a tough fight as these fish are known to thrash about until it dies. Bringing sharp hooks also helps as catfish are known to have hard mouths. Using big treble hooks will make an angler's chance of reeling in catfish much better.