Fishing

SCOUT OUTINGS

 

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Lakes & Reservoirs top

SANTA CLARA COUNTY

Lake

Rainbow trout

Largemouth bass

Black bass

Bluegill & sunfish

Black crappie

Channel catfish

White catfish

Striped bass

Almaden

x   x x      

Anderson

  x     x x    

Calero

  x   x x x    

Campbell Perc

x x   x   x    

Chesbro

x x x   x x    

Coyote

x x   x        

Cunningham

x x   x   x    

Hellyer

x              

Henry Coe

  x   x        

Joseph Grant

  x   x        

Lexington

x x   x x x    

Parkway

x x       x    

Sandy Wool

x       x      

Stevens Creek

x x x   x x    

Uvas

  x     x x    

Vasona

  x   x x x    

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All State fishing laws apply in the Santa Clara County Park. For more information regarding fishing laws, regulations and fish planting schedules, visit the State Department of Fish and Game's website at https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishPlants/, "fish planting page," "Central Coast," or the Region's up-to-date recording at (707) 944-5581

CATCH AND RELEASE ONLY... PLEASE DON'T EAT THE FISH

Mercury has been found to accumulate in Almaden, Calero, and Guadalupe Reservoirs at levels that make the fish unsafe to eat.

star1Troops 493/494 or Crew 494 Past or Planned Outings

Almaden Lake Almaden Lake is a good spot for largemouth bass. You should go to the side of the park that is closest to the intersection of Coleman and Winfield. Just fish right off the side of the water near the bamboo sticks. You should use spinnerbaits for the bass. It also has catfish, carp, and bluegill. There is also a lot of little shads in the lake. The lake is not too large. The lake is contaminated so DON'T eat any of the fish. Map

star1 Anderson Reservoir Anderson Reservoir and the picnic areas along the Coyote Creek are located on Cochrane Road in Morgan Hill, east of Highway 101. Map

Calero Reservoir Calero Reservoir is contaminated so DON'T eat any of the fish.

Campbell PercolationCampbell Percolation ponds located within Los Gatos Creek County Park are stocked with Rainbow Trout. Located at Dell Avenue near San Tomas Expressway. The percolation ponds draw anglers and model boating enthusiasts.

Chesbro Reservoir Chesbro Reservoir County Park is located in the foothills east of the Santa Cruz Mountains and west of the City of Morgan Hill.

Coyote Reservoir Coyote Reservoir is located approximately 40 miles northwest of San Jose at an elevation of 777 feet in the oak covered hillsides near Gilroy. There is one campground located near the lake accommodating both tents and RV's (no reservations & no hookups). All boating is allowed as well as water skiing and jet skis with a speed restriction of 35 mph; improved launching facilities are available. There is a good swimming beach with lifeguards during the summer months. The lake holds a good population of bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and trout seasonally. For more information contact Coyote Lake Park at (408) 842-7800. Reed's Sports Shop (480) 926-3020. Coyote Reservoir

Lake CunninghamLake Cunningham is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Channel Catfish. There is no charge for fishing, however all California fishing laws apply. Fishing licenses are required for all persons 16 years of age and older. Please use no live bait except for worms.

Hellyer Park Cottonwood Lake Hellyer Park fishing is permitted year round at Cottonwood Lake and during fishing season in the Coyote Creek. Cottonwood Lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout from November through late April.

Henry Coe SP  Henry Coe State Park is located west of Gilroy. Fishing information

star1Joseph D. Grant Park Joseph Grant is located on the road to Mt. Hamilton. There is a large lake and several small ponds.  http://www.parkhere.org/channel/0,4770,chid=16492&sid=12761,00.html

Lexington Reservoir Lexington Reservoir is just off  of Highway 17 near Los Gatos. It has some bass and bluegills.  http://www.parkhere.org/channel/0,4770,chid=16494&sid=12761,00.html

McAlpine Lake & Park Private stocked fishing with tent camping. No license required as you pay to enter and then pay by weight for fish you catch. Located halfway between San Jose and Monterey off of US 101 near San Juan Bautista. http://www.mcalpinelake.com/

Parkway Parkway is a lake that you pay an entry fee and does not require a California fishing license. The pond is stocked with trout when the weather is cool. We are a County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Facility. Our lake is stocked  with Trout, Sturgeon and Catfish. Adults:$15; Youth:$8 (3-12 yrs.old) Entry allows adults to catch 5 fish up to 10 pounds in weight and youth can catch 3 fish up to 6 lbs. Limit of one fish if it's a sturgeon. CLOSED

Sandy Wool Lake, Edwin Levin SCCP Sandy Wool Lake is located at Edwin Levin Park off of Calaveras Road just east of Milpitas.  http://www.parkhere.org/channel/0,4770,chid=16488&sid=12761,00.html

Stevens Creek Reservoir  Stevens Creek is regularly stocked with Rainbow Trout in the Spring and Fall. http://www.parkhere.org/channel/0,4770,chid=16510&sid=12761,00.html

Uvas Reservoir Uvas Reservoir is located in the foothills below the Santa Cruz Mountains west of the City of Morgan Hill. http://www.parkhere.org/channel/0,4770,chid=16520&sid=12761,00.html

Vasona Lake Vasona lake has catfish and some trout. Use hooks or bait that are weedless.

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EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS

A current California State Fishing license and East Bay Regional Park District Fishing Access Permit is required at all of these Regional Parks facilities.

Lake

Rainbow trout

Largemouth bass

Smallmouth bass

Bluegill & sunfish

Black crappie

Channel catfish

White catfish

Striped bass

Del Valle*

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Lake Chabot*

x

x

 

x

x

x

   

Shadow Cliffs*

x

x

 

x

x

x

   

Contra Loma*

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Don Castro*

x

x

 

x

x

x

   

Temescal*

x

x

 

x

 

x

   

Cull Canyon*

 

x

 

x

x

x

   

Anza

 

x

 

x

 

x

   

Jordan Pond

 

x

 

x

 

x

   

Shinn Pond

 

x

 

x

x

x

x

x

Quarry Lakes

 x

 x

 x

 x

 

 x

   

Information compiled by Fisheries Specialist Pete Alexander and Naturalist David Riensche.

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Contra Loma Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, black crappie, channel catfish, white catfish, striped bass. Contra Loma Map

star1Del Valle Del Valle Reservoir is located approximately 15 miles east of Livermore at an elevation of 700 feet in the oak covered hills of the Sierra Nevada's. The lake has a surface area of 750 acres with 16 miles of shoreline. There are several campgrounds located around the lake suitable for tent, RV's, and group camping; sewer and water hookups available. All boating is allowed with a speed restriction of 10 mph; launching facilities and boat rentals available. Swimming is restricted to beach areas where lifeguard is on duty. Fishing at Del Valle consists of trout, catfish, bluegill, and bass. For more information contact Del Valle Park at (925) 373-0332. Del Valle Marina at (925) 449-5201. Camping Reservations (510) 636-1684.Del Valle Reservoir Map

Don Castro Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, black crappie, channel catfish Don Pedro Fishing Brochure

Lake Chabot Lake Chabot is located outside Oakland. Services include rental of canoes and boats (electric, paddle boats, or oars), a coffee shop, picnicking, grassy play area, horseshoe pits, hiking, bicycling, jogging, and running trails, and seasonal lake tours aboard the Chabot Queen. Lake Chabot is stocked with trout and catfish. Several fishing piers include one with access for the disabled, and there is a wheelchair ramp from the parking lot to the marina. There are several campgrounds located near the lake accommodating both tent and RV's; reservations required. For more information contact the East Bay Regional Park at (510) 562-PARK. Chabot Lake (510) 247-2526. Camping Reservations (510) 562-CAMP.Chabot Lake Map

Shadow Cliffs Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, black crappie, channel catfish

http://www.ebparks.org/parks/shadow_cliffs

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SAN BENITO COUNTY

San Justo Reservoir  Trout, bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill CLOSED due to zebra mussel infestation.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

Loch Lomond Due to the drought, the reservoir is closed.

Pinto Lake Pinto lake is located approximately 5 miles west of Watsonville and is under the jurisdiction of the City of Watsonville. The lake contains 92 surface acres of water. Camping is limited although RV sites with full hook-ups are available. Power boats are permitted with a restriction of 5 mph; rentals available. Pinto Lake holds a good population. http://www.pintolakepark.com/Level2/boat-fishing.html

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Other Areas

Berryessa Lake Map

Berryessa is located in the beautiful wine country of the Napa Valley at an elevation of 440 feet. Lake Berryessa is one of the largest manmade lakes in California with a surface area of 13,000 acres and 175 miles of shoreline. The surrounding shoreline is covered with majestic oak and Manzanita. Water temperature in the summer can reach a comfortable 75 degrees that is excellent for swimming and water skiing. Rainbow and brown trout, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and silver salmon are all abundant. There are several resorts and camping facilities located on the west side of the lake. For more information contact the County of Solano Parks Department at (707) 421-7975. Spanish Flat Resort (707) 966-7700. Lake Beryessa Marina Resort (707) 966-2161. Napa Chamber of Commerce (707) 226-7455. Fishing Info

Lake San Antonio

The lake provides spectacular fishing opportunities for striped bass, large and smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, carp, red ear, and bluegill. Five thousand surface acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline provide plenty of room for non-stop action. Located off of US 101 about 1 hour south of Salinas. Group campsite on the south shore  http://lakesanantonioresort.com/activities/fishing/ http://www.fishersnet.com/berry.html

Lopez Lake, San Luis Opbispo

Fishing is an all-year activity at Lopez. Regular rainbow trout plants spark real action in cooler months. Crappie, red-ear sunfish, and largemouth and smallmouth bass provide the best angling in warmer months. Catfish have exceeded 25 pounds in Lopez Lake and are easily caught at dusk and dawn year round.http://www.fishhound.com/fishing-reports/lopez-lake-ca

Pinecrest Lake

Pinecrest Lake is located approximately 35 miles northeast of Sonora at an elevation of 5,600 feet in the beautiful Stanislaus National Forest just 5 miles east of Camp Hi-Sierra.. Pinecrest has a surface area of 300 acres with approximately 4 miles of tree covered shoreline. Numerous camping facilities are located near the lake suitable for tents, RV's, and group camping. Power boats are permitted with a speed restriction of 20 mph; no water-skiing or jet-skis, however, swimming is allowed in designated areas. The Lake has a full service marina with rentals and improved launching facilities. Pinecrest Resort located near the lake has a restaurant, grocery store, bait, tackle, cabin rentals, and fuel. Fishing is limited to rainbow, brown, and brook trout, but is often very rewarding. For more information contact the Summit Ranger Station at (209) 965-3434. Pinecrest Sporting Goods (209) 965-3637. Camping Reservations (209) 965-3116. Pinecrest Lake Resort (209) 965-3411.

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Santa Margarita Lake, San Luis Obispo

Cast your line into Santa Margarita Lake and you'll find black bass, striped bass, trout, catfish, crappie and bluegill. Fishing is good from shore or use one of the launch ramps and try your luck from a boat or canoe. Though noted for its excellent fishing and peaceful boating, the park also hosts a vast range of hiking and riding trails which offer breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

San Luis Reservoir

San Luis Reservoir is located approximately 16 miles west of Los Banos at an elevation of 544 feet in the eastern foothills of the Diablo Mountain Range. This huge reservoir has a surface area of 13,800 feet and 65 miles of oak covered shoreline. Camping facilities are available for tents, RV's, and group camping. All boating is permitted as well as water skiing, jet skis, and swimming; improved launch facilities available. San Luis holds a good population of catfish, crappie, bluegill, striped and black bass as well as an occasional sturgeon. For more information contact San Luis Reservoir at (209) 826-1196. Camping Reservations (800) 444-7275. Felton Boat Rentals (209) 826-7059. Santa Nella RV Park (209) 826-3105. San Luis Reservoir Park (209) 826-5542. http://norcal.fishreports.com/lakes/403/san-luis-reservoir.php

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Spring Lake, Santa Rosa

Fishing at the lake is very popular. Large mouth bass, sunfish and catfish can be caught year-round. During the winter months, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout by the Department of Fish and Game. A California fishing license is required for ages 16 and over.Spring Lake Map

Stamos Lake, Willits, Wente Scout Reserve

The 80-acre private lake is located at Wente Scout Reserve. The lake is full of bass, trout and blue gill. When the water is cool, the trout bite, but in mid-summer, the lake temperature is in the 70’s so concentrate on blue gills and bass. The lake is private so California fishing regulations do not apply. Fish near the dam in the morning and near the campfire area in the afternoon.

Tulloch Lake

Lake Tulloch is located approximately 45 miles west of Stockton at an elevation of 510 feet in the heart of California Gold Country. Campgrounds are available accommodating both tents and RV's; full hookups available. All boating is permitted as well al water-skiing, jet-skis, swimming; and overnight boating. Improved launch facilities and full service marina available. Boat rentals and fuel are available at the marina. Tulloch holds a wide variety of species of fish including both smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, trout, and salmon. For more information contact the Tulloch Lake Marina at (209) 881-0107. Lake Tulloch Resort (888) 785-8200. Camping Reservations (800) 894-CAMP.http://www.fishingnotes.com/fishing-report/ca/Tulloch-Lake

Yosemite Lake Map

Yosemite Lake is located approximately 5 miles east of Merced in the rolling Sierra Foothills. The lake contains 387 surface acres of water and is under the jurisdiction of the county of Merced. No camping is available, however, shaded picnic areas for families and groups up to 200 people are available; group reservations are required. All boating is permitted as well as water skiing and swimming. Improved launching facilities, full service marina, and boat rentals are available as well as concessions. Lake Yosemite is well noted by local fisherman as a premier bass fishing lake and also holds a good population of trout, bluegill, and catfish. For more information contact Merced County Parks and Recreation at (209) 385-7426.

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Rivers and Streams

American River, South Fork  https://www.coloma.com/recreation/fishing/

Klamath River

The Klamath is California’s second largest river. It’s a major salmon producer, especially for Coho and Chinook.http://www.usafishing.com/klamath.html

Eel River 

The Eel River flows for approximately 100 miles north through Mendocino and Humboldt counties. Its mouth is located 15 miles south of Eureka. Primary fish for the Eel include steelhead, Chinook and Coho. http://www.northcoastweb.com/fishing/rivers/eel/SPOT_EEL.HTM

Lower Sacramento River

Fishing for king salmon, steelhead, rainbow trout and striped bass is excellent in this stretch of California's largest river. Anglers also take consistent catches of catfish, shad, carp and sturgeon.

The fall run of salmon comes in September and October. You can also catch them from November through January, though the fishing during high water isn't as satisfying. The spring run is April through June. The steelhead run is from late August to end of October; striped bass from April through June; and shad from mid-May to mid-June.

Bank fishing is easiest from the river's northwest bank, outside the park, or you can take the trail to the parks gravel bar-beach area. You'll be most successful if you fish by boat, searching out the deep holes in the river bed. http://theflyshop.com/adventures/lowsac.html

Merced River The Merced River, located north of Mariposa, is easily accessible and provides a great place for trout fishing. From Foresta bridge downstream to Lake McClure the river is open to fishing from the Last Saturday in April through November 15. 5 per day limit, 10 in possession. http://www.flyfishingconnection.com/camercedriver.html

Smith River The river's natural fishery is one of its greatest assets, with more than 175 miles of fish habitat. The Smith has exceptional runs of salmon and steelhead. http://www.usafishing.com/smith.html

Stanislaus River The river is open to fishing from early January to the end of March, and the end of May to mid-October. The variety of species include trout, smallmouth bass, striped bass, carp, channel and white catfish, and black crappie. The entire river is closed to fishing from late October to the end of December. http://stanislausriver.com/fishing/

Susan River, Lassen County Fishing in the Susan River is best in spring to early summer. The river provides habitat for rainbow and brown trout, speckled dace, Lahontan redside, and Tahoe sucker.

Twice monthly in May, June and July, the California Department of Fish and Game plants rainbow trout in the lower Susan River between Susanville and Devils Corral. Stocking of fish generally ends in July when river temperature peaks reach 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit http://www.hookandbullet.com/fishing-susan-river-susanville-ca/

Bay

SF Bay(including San Pablo, Richardson, Suisun)

San Pablo Bay http://www.fishhound.com/water/san-pablo-bay-marin-county-ca

Emeryville Sportfishing (510) 654-6040,

Berkeley Marina Sportsfishing (510) 849-2727,

Bass Tub (415) 456-9055, Miss Farallones (415) 346-2399,

Oyster Point Bait & Tackle Marina (650) 589-FISH.

Bodega Bay http://www.usafishing.com/bodega.html

·         King Salmon Fishing is excellent in spring and summer months. Troll Apex lures, Hoochies and anchovies from Russian River mouth to Point Reyes. Mooching is also good for salmon along the same stretch of coast.

·         Rockfish and Lingcod Hit year round on coastal reefs and at Cordell Bank. Use bars, shrimp flies and bait.

·         Halibut Fishing is good in late spring, summer and fall in Tomales Bay. Drift live anchovies and shiners.

Delta http://www.usafishing.com/delta.html

·         Sturgeon - Fishing is best for bait anglers at the Middle Ground, Buoy 31, Chain Island, Broad Slough, and Sherman Lakes. Fish grass and mud shrimp throughout the year.

·         Striped Bass - Angling is good in the same areas as sturgeon for fishermen using shad and bullheads during fall, winter, and spring. Try casting Rat-L-Traps and top water lures in Sherman Lake and throughout the area shorelines for striper and some black bass.

·         King Salmon - Fishing is good off the Pittsburg shoreline using spinners during the fall.

·         Catfish - Can be fooled with a variety of baits in Sherman Lake, Montezuma Slough, and back sloughs.

·         Starry Flounder - Can be taken off sand bars throughout the area using grass shrimp.

Ocean

San Francisco:  Emeryville Sportfishing (510) 654-6040, Berkeley Marina Sportsfishing (510) 849-2727.

Half Moon Bay: Huck Finn Sportfishing (800) 572-2934.

Pacifica  During a magical five-week period from the last week of June into the first week of August, some of the best fishing in the United States can be had in the inshore waters off Pacifica. The rocky coast is made up of a series of small bays where striped bass can corral schools of anchovies, pinning them against the back of the surf line. Salmon often move in as well, rounding up the anchovies just a mile offshore. Pier Fishing http://visitpacifica.com/index.php?page=22

Monterey: Chris' Fishing Trips (831) 375-5951, Randy's Fishing Trips (831) 372-7440http://www.usafishing.com/monterey.html

Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Sportfishing (831) 426-4690.

http://capitolaboatandbait.com/fishing-report

General

Links to other fishing info:

Fish hound: http://www.fishhound.com/

Fish Sniffer http://www.scout.com/outdoors/fish-sniffer/?f=6

NorCal Fish Report: http://norcal.fishreports.com/

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Modified: January 23 , 2016