In 2008, Lake Berryessa is swirling in controversy. It’s been well-documented how all the resorts are losing their leases and must close.

Several are shut down already, leaving behind a wasteland of empty mobile home sites and dilapidated buildings. A new concessionaire is supposed to take over, but agreements still aren’t finalized. So the abandoned resorts remain as they were left, for now.

If that wasn’t enough, the state-declared drought year is causing water levels to drop, some say possibly to historic lows.

With all this dreary news, many are considering other destinations for their boating, camping and picnicking activities.

But in my opinion, now is a great time to visit Lake Berryessa.

The drought has not hit Berryessa nearly as hard as many other popular lakes in northern California.

The lake is currently 77 percent full, not bad for the middle of summer.

By comparison, Lake Shasta is down to only 42 percent and Lake Oroville is even worse at just 37 percent of capacity.

And pay no attention to those stories going around that the buildings of the old town of Monticello are visible when the water gets really low. Truth is, the town was leveled as the dam was being constructed.

This has also been an excellent fishing year at Berryessa.

Populations of all three species of bass (largemouth, smallmouth, spotted) are very healthy, and the bite has been great even into the summer. Fishermen trolling for trout and salmon have also been finding success.

Although some of the resorts have closed, several at the south end of the lake will be open throughout the year and beyond.

The leases at Markley Cove Resort, Pleasure Cove Marina and Steele Parke Resort do not expire until 2009 or later, so they will remain open for business throughout this year and for as long as possible.

All three resorts offer boat launching facilities and watercraft rentals. Houseboat rentals are also available at Pleasure Cove.

Steele Park offers cabin units and RV sites, and also has two restaurants.

There are also still some services available at Putah Creek Resort and Berryessa Marina. Both boat launches are still open, and camping sites for tents or RVs are also still available.

This is subject to change, so call ahead for information.

Resort contact information:

• Markley Cove Resort

(800) 242-6287

• Pleasure Cove Marina

966-9606

www.goberryessa.com

• Steele Park Resort

(800) 522-2123.

www.steelepark.com

In addition to the private resorts, there are several public access day-use facilities at the lake which will continue to be open.

The Bureau of Reclamation operates recreation areas at Oak Shores, Smittle Creek, Capell Cove Boat Launch, Olive Orchard, Eticeura, and other areas.

These recreation areas offer day users a variety of recreational opportunities year-round including fishing, wildlife viewing, beach activities, swimming, hiking, and picnicking.

The Capell Cove Boat Launch is open year-round and is free of charge. This launch can get very crowded on the weekends, so I suggest getting there early for a shorter wait.

Located approximately eight miles north of State Route 128 on Knoxville Road, Oak Shores and Smittle Creek offer more than 100 picnic sites equipped with barbecue grills. Two-hand launches for non-motorized car-top boats are also available, but vehicles with trailers are not allowed.

Smittle Creek is located two miles north of Oak Shores, and offers a more secluded day-use experience.

Coyote Beach and Acorn Beach in the Oak Shores Day Use Area are two areas ideal for children and families.

The sandy beaches provide areas closed to personal watercraft and boats. Picnic tables, barbecue grills and rest rooms are nearby.

There is also a hand launch at Foxtail Flat for canoes or kayaks.

Acorn Beach has group picnic sites with shade shelters for large groups or special events.

For reservations of a group site for parties of 25 or more, call the Reclamation office at 966-2111.

The Smittle Creek Trail wanders along the shore between Coyote Knolls and Smittle Creek.

The walk is 5.2 miles round trip and offers hikers a chance to view the lake and its native wildlife.

Guy Carl is a CPA and partner with BDCo Accountants and Advisors in St. Helena (www.bdcocpa.com). Contact Guy at GC.outdoors@sbcglobal.net.