Lake Hennessey Boating & Fishing

Lake Hennessey Aerial View

Lake Hennessey Boat Dock is OPEN.

  • Boaters can resume launching from the boat launch (ramp).
  • Water remains more shallow than historic levels but the boat ramp is accessible.
  • Citizens need to be aware of surface debris in the area.
  • Canoes and kayaks can be launched from the boat dock.
  • Launching canoes and kayaks from the lake shore or any location other than the boat dock is prohibited.
  • Bodily contact or walking in the water is prohibited.
  • The parking lot will remain open. Hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
  • Lake Hennessey is for day use only.

View more details below regarding fees, hours, and rules.

Please note that bodily contact with water is not permitted:

  • No swimming
  • No paddleboards

REMINDER: it is unlawful to light, build, or maintain an open fire within Lake Hennessey’s watershed.

HAB PosterKeep an eye out for Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) this year.

Read the informational HAB Brochure (PDF) (en Espanol).

Boating

  • Boating permit fee is $4 per day or $25 per year. Daily fee must be submitted in the drop box at the Lake Hennessey boat launch prior to use. 
  • Annual boating permits may be purchased as follows:
    • Fill out Lake Hennessey Boating and Fishing Permit Application (PDF) and mail to: 
      • City of Napa Water Division, PO BOX 660, Napa, CA 94559
      • Credit Card Payments are ONLY accepted in-person at:
        • 955 School Street, Napa.  Bring copy of the payment receipt and application to 1700 Second Street, Suite 100 for permit issuance.
  • Launching and retrieving water craft permitted only during hours posted at the boat launch.
  • No motor over 10 horsepower. Any other drive unit must remain out of the water.
  • Lake Hennessey is a municipal water supply. Users must observe the full list of Boating Regulations (PDF).

Fishing

  • Fishing permit fee of $1 per day or $5 per year must be paid for persons 16 years or older. Daily fee must be submitted in the drop box at the boat launch prior to use. 
  • Annual fishing permits (for calendar year) may be purchased as follows:
    • Fill out Lake Hennessey Boating and Fishing Permit Application (PDF) and mail to: 
      • City of Napa Water Division, PO BOX 660, Napa, CA 94559
      • Credit Card Payments are ONLY accepted in-person at:
        • 955 School Street, Napa.  Bring copy of the payment receipt and application to 1700 Second Street, Suite 100 for permit issuance.
  • Fishing rules and limits are established by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
  • Lake Hennessey is a municipal water supply. Users must observe the full list of Fishing Regulations (PDF).