Shadow Cliffs Reservoir
Alameda County Trout, Bass, Catfish, Sunfish
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Shadow Cliffs Reservoir Bite Meter

3 days ago
Trout
Excellent
Bass
Good

Shadow Cliffs Reservoir Fishing Overview

Water Description

Thanks to the vision of the East Bay Regional Park District, this once-forgotten gravel quarry has transformed into an amazing fishery and destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Shadow Cliffs Reservoir features over 80 acres of nutrient-dense clear water, and most importantly for anglers, big fish. The lake records at Shadow Cliffs prove this.. 18-pound rainbow trout, 16-pound largemouth bass, 39-pound channel catfish... and the list goes on. The lake is stocked during the colder months with rainbow trout. Mostly catchable stocker-size, but some...

Thanks to the vision of the East Bay Regional Park District, this once-forgotten gravel quarry has transformed into an amazing fishery and destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Shadow Cliffs Reservoir features over 80 acres of nutrient-dense clear water, and most importantly for anglers, big fish.

The lake records at Shadow Cliffs prove this.. 18-pound rainbow trout, 16-pound largemouth bass, 39-pound channel catfish... and the list goes on.

The lake is stocked during the colder months with rainbow trout. Mostly catchable stocker-size, but some much bigger. These big stockers often avoid becoming bass food and can grow into absolute giants.

Largemouth bass at Shadow Cliffs also grow to epic proportions due to an unlimited buffet of stocker rainbow trout and sunfish. Big baits are usually the best bait during spring but don’t hesitate to throw out soft plastics throughout the warmer season.

Catfish are stocked in the warmer months, and no matter the season, there’s always a dinner meal to be caught.

Due to its proximity to the Bay Area, crowds can be an issue, especially if fishing for trout from shore. Plan your trip days and times accordingly.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 1 week ago - View Schedule
Boating / Access:
Elector motors are okay. Kayaks and canoes okay. No gas motors. Rentals available. Boating is not allowed in the Arroyo areas
Geography:
Surface Area: 80 acres
Surface Elevation: 300 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Excellent Trout bite
Trout, Bass
Clear

The trout action continues to be very good, with a fresh 1,000-pound plant of Lassen rainbows and lightning trout dropped in last week, and more plants are expected throughout May. Shore anglers are casting spinners, nightcrawlers, and PowerBait with moderate power. The trick is casting a few feet past the thickening weed line, which is creeping...

The trout action continues to be very good, with a fresh 1,000-pound plant of Lassen rainbows and lightning trout dropped in last week, and more plants are expected throughout May. Shore anglers are casting spinners, nightcrawlers, and PowerBait with moderate power. The trick is casting a few feet past the thickening weed line, which is creeping out fast as the lake warms. Some trout anglers are getting hit by big catfish as well.

Bass are still active, holding closely to cover, especially along the tules near the tube. It goes without saying, weedless baits are a must if you’re working this type of snaggy cover. Overall, the lake’s changing fast—thick weeds, warmer temps, and fish pushing tighter to structure.

A few big c

4 anglers found this report useful
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Good Trout bite
Trout, Bass
Slightly Stained

Chuck Wolf of Western Outdoor News reports the trout bite at Shadow Cliffs remains very consistent, helped by another 1,000-pound Lassen plant this week. He notes the no-fishing zone around the tube has been extended, cutting off some previously accessible shoreline, but the dock, point, and shoreline to the swim beach are still open. A few bass...

Chuck Wolf of Western Outdoor News reports the trout bite at Shadow Cliffs remains very consistent, helped by another 1,000-pound Lassen plant this week. He notes the no-fishing zone around the tube has been extended, cutting off some previously accessible shoreline, but the dock, point, and shoreline to the swim beach are still open. A few bass are being picked off by off-shore anglers working the less-accessible shoreline. Water’s a bit stained with some weed growth, but conditions remain very good.

5 anglers found this report useful
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Latest Stockings

1,000 pounds - Lassen
Trout EBRPD
1,000 pounds - Lassen
Trout EBRPD
1,000 pounds - Lassen
Trout EBRPD

Other Nearby Reports

The bass bite is rolling at Los Vaqueros, with largemouth pushing shallow in the backs of coves. Jerkbaits have reportedly been catching fish — nothing huge though, with the...

Lake Chabot’s trout bite is picking up steam after a recent plant of Lassen and lightning trout. It’s still not on fire, but patient anglers tossing Mice Tails or soaking...

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Shadow Cliffs Reservoir Map

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