Lake guide
Lake Berryessa
Napa, Napa County, CA
Overview
Lake Berryessa is the largest lake in Napa County and one of the biggest freshwater reservoirs in California. The Bureau of Reclamation's Solano Project reservoir is about 23 miles long and up to 3 miles wide, with roughly 165 miles of shoreline and a capacity of 1.6 million acre-feet. Monticello Dam, finished in the late 1950s, holds it back, and the famous Glory Hole spillway handles overflow.
Launches
Launching is through concession and recreation areas: Markley Cove Resort, Pleasure Cove Marina, Steele Canyon, Putah Canyon and Spanish Flat. Reclamation has also noted that Capell Cove boat launch is temporarily closed except for Special Event Permit holders. Day-use areas such as North and South Oak Shores and Smittle Creek follow seasonal hours set by Reclamation.
Seal program
Because golden mussels reached the Delta in 2024, every motorized vessel must take part in a seal program. A boat is inspected and gets a red quarantine seal for 30 days, or is hot-water decontaminated for immediate launch. On leaving, boats get a green seal that shows they are mussel-free. Plan ahead: seal deadlines before holidays are published. Hand-launched electric-motor craft such as fishing kayaks also need inspection.
Enforcement
All Coast Guard and California navigation and boating rules apply and are strictly enforced by the Napa County Sheriff's Office.
Getting there & access
Where to launch
Reclamation lists Markley Cove Resort, Pleasure Cove Marina, Steele Canyon Recreation Area, Putah Canyon Recreation Area and Spanish Flat Recreation Area for camping and boat launching. Contact the individual operators for hours, fees and reservations.
Red and green seals
Any vessel that wants to launch must be inspected, logged and given a red quarantine seal for 30 days before its first launch. After 30 days the same vessel can return and have the seal removed. Red seals are free at all Berryessa launch ramps and at several marine retailers. When you leave, you get a green seal showing you left mussel-free.
Immediate launch by decontamination
To launch right away, boats can be hot-water decontaminated by authorized staff. Decontamination stations operate at Putah Canyon, Pleasure Cove and Markley Cove, and the Solano County Water Agency has listed a Lake Solano County Park station that closes September 7, 2026 and reopens in spring 2027. Fees are charged on a sliding scale by boat type and systems.
Hand launch and paddlecraft
Decontamination is not required for hand-launched or non-motorized vessels, but electric-motor kayaks must be inspected. Non-motorized craft are encouraged to get a free voluntary inspection.
Amenities
- Markley Cove Resort — Launch and decontamination station; (707) 966-2134
- Pleasure Cove Marina — Launch and decontamination station at goberryessa.com
- Putah Canyon Recreation Area — Camping, launch and decontamination; (707) 966-9051
- Steele Canyon Recreation Area — Camping and boat launching
- Spanish Flat Recreation Area — Camping and boat launching
- Day-use areas — North and South Oak Shores, Smittle Creek; seasonal hours
- Red seal retailers — Marine retailers including Gone Fishin' Marine, Family Marine and Sweeney's Sports
Rules & official resources
- All motorized vessels must take part in the Lake Berryessa seal program: red 30-day quarantine seal or hot-water decontamination before launching
- Hand-launched electric-motor watercraft need inspection; non-motorized watercraft are encouraged to get a free voluntary inspection
- All Coast Guard and California navigation and boat operation rules apply and are strictly enforced by the Napa County Sheriff's Office
- Green seal on exit shows a vessel left Berryessa mussel-free; the seal speeds repeat launches
- Federal regulations prohibit hunting on Reclamation property
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Decontamination and engine drying
Berryessa's seal program means owners who boat elsewhere need engines, bilges and live wells flushed and dried before the quarantine check.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Hull and running gear cleaning
Hulls and outdrives must be clean and free of attached organisms for inspection, so owners hire divers or cleaners before traveling.
Find Bottom Cleaning, Hull Cleaning & Dive Services providers →Wake and ski boat detailing
Berryessa's long open arms draw ski and wake boats, which need regular washing and gelcoat care after hot-summer use.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Transport for quarantine planning
With 30-day seal timing, some owners hire transport to move boats between waterbodies and storage.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 5, 2026