Lake Hennessey Boating & Fishing

Lake Hennessey Aerial View

Lake Hennessey Boat Dock is CLOSED.

  • Record low water levels require the boat launch (ramp) to be closed for the safety of the public and to protect water quality.
  • The boat dock is at the end of its length and the boat ramp has become shallow, forcing the launch vehicle to enter the Lake and potentially adversely affect water quality.
  • Trailered watercraft are not permitted to launch at the lake.
  • 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. Effective September 6, 2021 through February 28, 2022, hours are 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
  • Lake Hennessey is for day use only.

Reopening will depend on winter rains to raise the lake's water level. Therefore, this closure is likely to last until November or later.

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

Please note that bodily contact with water is not permitted:

  • No swimming
  • No paddleboards

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. Yearly permit may be purchased, cash or check preferred, by mailing or bringing completed Lake Hennessey Boating and Fishing Permit Application (PDF) to:
    • City of Napa Water Division, 1700 Second Street, Suite 100, Napa, CA 94559
  • 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. Yearly permit (calendar year) may be purchased, cash or check preferred, by mailing or bringing completed Lake Hennessey Boating and Fishing Permit Application (PDF) to:
    • City of Napa Water Division, 1700 Second Street, Suite 100, Napa, CA 94559
  • 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).