San Pablo Reservoir
Contra Costa County Trout, Bass, Crappie, Sturgeon, Catfish, Sunfish
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San Pablo Reservoir Bite Meter

1 week ago
Catfish
Hot
Bass
Good

San Pablo Reservoir Fishing Overview

Water Description

Across the bay from San Francisco is the scenic 866-acre San Pablo Reservoir. Thousands of pounds of rainbow trout (and some lightning trout) are stocked yearly, making them the lake's primary targets. Bass, catfish, and panfish are also available in good numbers during the warmer months. Rainbow trout are typically stocked at three different locations spread evenly across San Pablo. The closed season in winter reduces fishing pressure and allows some of the trout to grow to impressive sizes—with the lake record surpassing 20 pounds. In spring...

Across the bay from San Francisco is the scenic 866-acre San Pablo Reservoir. Thousands of pounds of rainbow trout (and some lightning trout) are stocked yearly, making them the lake's primary targets. Bass, catfish, and panfish are also available in good numbers during the warmer months.

Rainbow trout are typically stocked at three different locations spread evenly across San Pablo. The closed season in winter reduces fishing pressure and allows some of the trout to grow to impressive sizes—with the lake record surpassing 20 pounds. In spring and fall, the cooler water temperatures often lead trout closer to the shore, making bank fishing a viable option. However, during summer, as trout venture to deeper waters, boat fishing becomes more neccesary.

San Pablo also offers a solid bass fishery, featuring both largemouth and spotted bass. The many coves, brush, and downed trees give the largemouth plenty of cover. Summer water temperatures peak in the 70s (not overly warm), so the largemouth typically stay shallow throughout the warmer months. As both the weather and water temperatures drop, spotted bass activity rises. Since spots usually dwell deeper than largemouth bass, so cast accordingly.

Catfish are plentiful on San Pablo with the support from occasional stockings, and some reach over 10 pounds. Steep drops and shelves near deep water are great starting points, although flats can be epic in summer evenings. Crappie, bluegill, and other panfish also relate to the excellent cover spread along the lake’s western shoreline.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Lightning Trout, Spotted Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, White Sturgeon, Channel Catfish, Carp
Stocked Date:
Catfish stocked 3 weeks ago - View Schedule
Forage / Baitfish:
Shad, Crawfish
Trophy Fish:
  • Rainbow Trout: 21.8 lb
  • Largemouth Bass: 17 lb
  • Channel Catfish: 30 lb
Boating / Access:
Boats allowed but with engine limits, see regulations. No paddle boards or personal watercraft. Boat rentals available.
Geography:
Surface Area: 866 acres
Surface Elevation: 315 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Hot Catfish bite
Bass, Catfish
62°F Clear

San Pablo’s running hot with catfish… easy pickings off the docks and near Scow Canyon where they’re stacking up in the deeper slots. A second 3,000-pound catfish plant last week should keep the bite rolling into late spring. Look for tagged fish and grab discounts at the marina. Bass are finally starting to wake up too. Spotted bass are hitting...

San Pablo’s running hot with catfish… easy pickings off the docks and near Scow Canyon where they’re stacking up in the deeper slots. A second 3,000-pound catfish plant last week should keep the bite rolling into late spring. Look for tagged fish and grab discounts at the marina.

Bass are finally starting to wake up too. Spotted bass are hitting underspins and Keitechs near shad schools, which are starting to bunch up across the lake. Water’s sitting at 62°. Boaters are still benched with the launch closed to all private vessels (golden mussel prevention).

7 anglers found this report useful
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Trip Report
1 Rainbow Trout , 2 Catfish
60°F with Substantial Wind
62°F Slightly Stained

April 23 with boat rental, spent 8.5 hours on the water, trolling which produced nothing. Headed to Scow Canyon, too windy. Caught these in a couple of spots in a small cove by the dam. Trout was 17 inches, the two catfish were each 25 inches about 7-8 pounds each. Kept the trout and released the cat’s.

7 anglers found this report useful
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Latest Stockings

3,000 pounds
Catfish Local
Catfish Local
Trout CDFW

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