New for Winter 2026–27
Fish & Stay Aboard the Opal
A luxury houseboat, tied to our docks and fully powered up, is your basecamp on the water where the world-record spotted bass live. Sleep steps from your boat. Wake up already on the lake.
The Winter Season at Bullards Bar
The Ultimate On-the-Water Fishing Stay
Bullards Bar holds the world record for spotted bass — an 11 lb 4 oz fish caught in February, and the record before it came in January. Winter is when the biggest fish bite. Now you can stay right on the lake for it.
Fish & Stay puts you aboard the Opal, our newest luxury houseboat, docked at Emerald Cove Marina and plugged into shore power for the season. It works like a hotel on the water: book your nights, tie your fishing boat in a designated slip beside you, and spend every daylight hour on the lake instead of driving to it. When you come in, the hot tub is hot, the fireplace is on, and dinner’s on the grill.
11 lb 4 oz
World-record spotted bass, caught here in February
Nov 1 – Apr 30
Fish & Stay season
Sleeps 14
5 private staterooms + convertible sofa & dinette
4 Boat Slips
Designated parking for your fishing boats, with power
How It Works
Book. Dock. Fish. Repeat.
1. Book Your Nights
Pick your dates between November 1 and April 30. Two-night minimum, check-in at 11 AM.
2. Bring Your Boat
Your stay includes a designated slip right beside the Opal, with a power option to charge your batteries overnight.
3. Fish at First Light
Step off the houseboat and into your boat. No ramp lines, no trailering — you’re already on the water.
4. Come Back to Comfort
Hot tub, fireplace, heated staterooms, Starlink WiFi, and a hot shower waiting at the dock.
What’s Included
Built for Anglers. Finished Like a Resort.
Built for Anglers
- Designated slip for your fishing boat, right beside the Opal (4 available)
- Power at the slip to charge trolling-motor and cranking batteries
- Direct dock access to fire pits and patio area
- Marina store stocked with fishing goods, bait, tackle and supplies
- Rain-coat closet to dry out your gear
- Fuel dock on site — 91 premium
- Linens and towels provided
- Pets welcome
Opal Comforts
- Hot Tub (seats 8)
- 5 Private Staterooms — each with its own TV
- Starlink WiFi
- Salon Wet Bar & Fireplace
- Vaulted-Ceiling Galley with Full-Size Residential Appliances (25 cu. ft. fridge, range, microwave & dishwasher)
- Marina washer & dryer available on request
- 2 Full Baths
- Covered Bridge Deck with BBQ, Sink & Stereo
- Upgraded Entertainment System
- Shore power for the whole stay — heat, lights and hot water, no generator
Pricing
Simple Winter Pricing. No Hidden Fees.
The price you see is the price you pay. Every night includes shore power, a slip with power for your fishing boat, the hot tub, Starlink WiFi, propane, linens and sales tax.
| Sunday – Thursday | Friday – Saturday | Weekly (7 Nights) |
|---|---|---|
| $695 | $895 | $4,495 |
| per night | per night | one night free |
Two-night minimum. Check-in 11 AM. Sleeps up to 14. Additional fishing-boat slips $35 per night with power (4 slips available). Pets welcome. Season runs November 1 – April 30.
Heavy-wind policy: Your safety comes first. If a high-wind forecast makes it unsafe to keep the Opal at the dock, we may need to move her to a mooring ball for the duration or cancel your stay. We’ll contact you as early as possible with your options.
Why Winter at Bullards Bar
The Lake Is Quiet. The Fish Are Not.
Record-Class Fish
Home of the world-record spotted bass. The biggest fish of the year are caught November through March — and the lake also holds kokanee, rainbow and brown trout.
The Lake to Yourself
60+ miles of shoreline, deep clear emerald water, and almost none of the summer traffic. Quiet coves, calm mornings, and your boat already in the water.
Honest Pricing
No resort fees, no surprise charges. Sales tax, propane, power and your slip are all in the nightly rate — the same promise we make on every rental.
Inside the Opal
Your Home on the Water
Floor Plan
Good to Know
Fish & Stay FAQ
No. For Fish & Stay the Opal stays tied at the marina on shore power for the whole season, so you get steady heat, lights and hot water with no generator. Want to cruise the lake on a houseboat? See our summer houseboat rentals (May – October).
Yes. Your stay includes one designated slip with power. Up to three additional fishing boats can park in our designated slips for $35 per night each, power included. Four slips total.
Yes — launch once at the start of your stay, then keep your boat in your slip beside the Opal for the rest of the trip. Ask the marina store about current lake level and ramp conditions when you book.
Food, drinks, and your fishing gear. Linens and towels are provided for Fish & Stay. The galley has full-size residential appliances, cookware and a BBQ on the bridge deck. Our marina store is stocked with fishing supplies, fuel, ice, beer and snacks. Need laundry done mid-stay? The marina has an on-site washer and dryer available on request.
Bullards Bar can get strong winter winds, and safety comes first. If a high-wind forecast makes it unsafe to keep the Opal tied at the dock, the marina may move the boat out to a mooring ball for the duration of the wind event, or cancel the stay if conditions call for it. We watch the forecast closely and will contact you as early as possible with your options.
Yes. The hot tub is ready to use all winter — just switch on the heater when you want it and it reaches temperature in about 20 minutes. Fire it up before dinner and it’s steaming by the time you’re done.
Yes, well-behaved pets are welcome aboard the Opal for Fish & Stay.
Bullards Bar sits at about 2,000 feet in the Sierra foothills, so winter days are usually mild and sometimes rainy rather than snowy. There is a rain-coat closet on board to dry out your gear, and the salon fireplace keeps things cozy.
Check-in is at 11 AM. Two-night minimum stay.
Reserve Your Dates
Sleep on the Lake. Fish at First Light.
Fish & Stay runs November 1 – April 30. With one boat and a handful of slips, nights are limited — call or email early for tournament weekends and the January–February big-fish window.
Online booking for Fish & Stay is coming soon. Until then, reserve by phone at 530‑692‑3200 or email info@bullardsbar.com and we’ll hold your dates.