Lake Hennessey Fishing near Saint Helena, California

• Overview

  You will find Lake Hennessey in Napa County, California. The surface lies 295 feet up. It measures some 763 acres, and wind has room to build across it. The shoreline runs about 7.0 miles, so it pays to pick a stretch and stay with it. On our Napa County list it sits near the top for size. Head to Saint Helena, 5.4 miles away, for anything you forgot. Deer Park is 6 miles and Yountville 6.2 miles. No border sits close enough to matter.

• Where to Fish on Lake Hennessey

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Reported across Napa County: Chinook salmon, rainbow trout and Sacramento sucker. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. At Lake Hennessey the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 71°F, with December the cold end at about 47°F. There is no frozen season to plan round. Late winter and spring fish steadiest here. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Lake Hennessey. Long dry spells drop the level and concentrate them.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. Nothing is listed nearby for parking or launching a boat. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check whether a boat is allowed before you tow one. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Failing this one, try Rector Reservoir, 3.8 miles away. Rules at Lake Hennessey are worth checking on the day.