Anglers' Edge Online

Vol. 1133 | February 8, 2019

NOTICE: Catfish plants are finished for the year, and we will resume trout plants when water temperatures cool down. We will keep you updated on here when stocking resumes.

 (Sec. 404.3): NO SMOKING on EBRPD property, including all piers, parks & trails.
NEW Resolution Ord. 38, Sec. 404.3 - Passed

• Fishing Rules
• Which Fish Are in Which Lakes?
• Fish Planting Information
• General Activity
• Boat Rental Information
• General Information

Fish Planting Information

The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) plants rainbow trout and channel catfish up to 6+ pounds each.
The California Department of Fish & Wildlife (DF&W) plants trout averaging over ½ pound each.
Note: Plants are subject to change due to weather conditions.

Attention Anglers

1. DO NOT LET YOUR DOG EAT OR LICK RAW TROUT/SALMON. They may be infected with a parasitic disease which can be fatal to your pet. For more information call Fisheries Manager Joe Sullivan at (510) 544-2329.
2. EBRPD recommends all bass be released. Please do not remove tags from released bass. Record the tag number, length, and weight of the fish to include in your catch report.
3. Please report your catches and turn in all retrieved tags from kept bass to the marina or kiosk attendant. Length and weight (if possible), location and date would be helpful also
4. Please remember to clean up any fouled line and bait containers. Wildlife can be injured or killed by fishing line!! Please use the special fishing line disposal tubes at Del Valle, Lake Chabot, Quarry Lakes and Shadow Cliffs. Recycling your broken fishing monofilament helps protect wildlife.
5. All park hours are 6am to 7 pm unless otherwise posted.

General Activity

DEL VALLE (LIVERMORE) »

HOURS OF OPERATION
OPEN Seven Days a Week
February: 7:00am - 6:00pm; all watercrafts must be off the lake by 5pm.

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Here is the fishing report from Captain Jacob at the Del Valle Marina:
The lake temperature has dropped into the mid-40s in the mornings, rising into the low 50s in the afternoon. The water level has risen dramatically the last few weeks the lake is almost at capacity already!
The spring season is right around the corner so be prepared bass anglers!

CATFISH
If you like big catfish the winter is a great time at Del Valle to fish for them! Many of the catfish are moving into the murky water around the marina area. Most of the catfish have been caught exclusively on anchovies although a few have been caught on nightcrawlers as well. Fishing sharp drop-off points along the shoreline can be another great way to hook into the catfish. The catfish are going to start moving to the structure like bass are as the water level rises in preparation for summertime.

TROUT
The trout are moving along in the lower narrows or in the marina. With the higher water levels, anglers are having lots of luck from shore along the east beach and directly north of the boat ramp right past the no fishing sign. If you are fishing from a boat, we recommend the shallow waters in coves around the lake or if you are trolling, we suggest trolling along the sections of the beach in between coves is another good idea. Lures like small shad imitations such as 1/8th Kastmasters, minnows, or small spinners have been working great! Trout are also hitting on corn yellow Powerbait, chartreuse green Powerbait, and mice tails with orange or pink coloring. If you are still having trouble finding where the trout are, just look for the pelicans! They always know where the trout are.

BASS
The black bass bite is slowly picking up but they are still active and can be a great fight if you are willing to put in the time to find them. We would recommend Heron Bay by the dam since that is where the clearest water is. As the water warms, we should start to see more activity in the south end of the lake, as that is where our bass typically go to breed. The bass have been fussy and only seem to be interested in worms or shad imitations. You will need to work them slowly and near the bottom of the lake. We would recommend a small spinner or weightless nightcrawlers. With the water levels raising, more of the exposed trees and other structure along the shore of the lake will start to submerge. Those will be key bass fishing spots in the coming weeks.

STRIPED BASS
Striped bass are running hard through the marina chasing the smaller trout that come from the trout plants. Many of our reported striper catches are accidental catches from anglers who are bait fishing for trout. Trolling large swimbaits around the marina is another good way to target the striped bass in the lake. Huddleston’s or savage gears will work well as to some older style Alabama rigs, although these are only for catching BIG fish.

As Always, Good Luck and Be Safe and remember that any day on the lake is a beautiful day! – Captain Jacob


Pha T. of San Jose caught this seven-and-a-half pound trout fish while fishing with orange and white mice tails.


Scott R. of Santa Cruz caught this seven-pound trout while fishing minnows near the dam.


Jim A. of Livermore caught his limits of trout, the largest weighing seven pounds. He was fishing pink and white mice tails in the upper narrows.


Steven B. of Escalon caught this five-pound trout while fishing with orange and white mice tails in Swallow Bay.


Jeff A. of Danville and his friends caught three trout, all one pound. He was fishing mice tails along the West Beach.


Steve B. of San Jose caught two trout, the largest weighing six pounds. He was fishing with nightcrawlers.


Olivia P. of Livermore caught a three-and-a-half pound trout in Hetch Hetchy Cove. She was fishing with yellow corn Powerbait.


Kenny K. of Livermore caught four trout, the largest of which weighed four pounds. He caught them in Heron Bay using yellow corn Powerbait.


David C. and Ming W. of Pleasant Hill caught three fish, the largest weighed six pounds. They were caught right off the boat launch using Kastmasters.


Roland P. caught a nice stringer of trout using mice tails!


Tyler T. of Manteca caught this four-pound trout fishing with green Powerbait.


Pat caught this rainbow trout using mice tails.


Pat and Nick C. of San Jose caught two bass and a trout while fishing in Hetch Hetchy Cove. They were using spinner baits.


Jacob H. of Livermore caught this five-pound rainbow while fishing by the dam. He was fishing with salmon-peach Powerbait.

LAKE CHABOT (CASTRO VALLEY) »

HOURS OF OPERATION
February: 6:30 am – 5:00 pm with boats due in by 4:30 pm.
Hours are subject to change based on weather conditions and light levels.

We encourage all anglers to report their stories, comments, or concerns to the Marina. Thanks again for choosing Lake Chabot as your recreation destination.

GENERAL CONDITIONS
The water temperature is in the mid-60s and water clarity is about four feet. Please follow our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lakechabot, for weekly updates on fishing conditions.

All of our boats are half off Wednesday, including Patio Boats!

CATFISH
We have had a few reports of catfish caught reported to the marina. If you would like to report your catches, please come to the marina, and we will take your picture!

BASS
Many anglers are using plastic worms or swim baits. There has been an abundance of smaller size bass (one to three pounds) being caught all over the lake along the shorelines. Senkos have been the most popular bait to use.

Please practice catch and release for bass as they are not stocked into the lake and their population depends on you!


Freddie V. caught this gorgeous 13-inch rainbow while fishing at Lake Chabot.


Dexter M. of Union City caught this nearly five-and-a-half pound trout at Raccoon Point. He was using a Cotton Cordell.


James C. of San Jose caught a stringer of fish including a five-and-three-quarters pound bass using Powerbait and mice tails.


Greg L. of San Francisco caught this beautiful largemouth bass at Coots Landing. He was using a Rat L Trap.


Kenneth M. of Castro Valley caught an eight-pound trout at Coots Landing using Powerbait.


Noah L. caught this four-pound trout in Honker Bay. He was fishing with Powerbait

TEMESCAL (OAKLAND) »

HOURS OF OPERATION
OPEN Seven Days a Week
5:00 am – 10:00 pm, unless otherwise posted. Gate hours are 8:00 am – 10:00 pm.

GENERAL CONDITIONS
We are getting reports of largemouth bass and rainbow trout being caught, but we have not received any photos. If you would like your catches highlighted here, approach park staff!




Some EBRPD regulars, Joaquin and his daughter Brianna has a fantastic couple of weeks at Lake Temescal! They caught their limits several days and ended up with several trout over five pounds!



The ‘NorCalTroutKillaz’ had a week full of stringers including a nice five-pound trout caught by Robert and a beautiful eight-pound trout caught by Trevor. Rain or shine, they are always catching!

Andrew caught this six-pound, 24-inch trout in Lake Temescal!

DON CASTRO (HAYWARD) »

HOURS OF OPERATION
OPEN Seven Days a Week
8:00 am – 10:00 pm; Park Curfew is 10:00 pm – 5:00 am

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Please remember that a California state-fishing license is required for anglers aged 16 or older. In addition, a Park District daily fishing permit is required and may be purchased from the iron ranger located at the swim complex gate.

Please remember there is NO fishing on or around the fish plant site and dock for two hours after a fish plant.


Joaquin G. caught this three-and-a-half pound trout on orange mice tails.

HORSESHOE LAKE, QUARRY LAKES (UNION CITY/FREMONT) »

HOURS OF OPERATION
OPEN Seven Days a Week
February-March: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm; Kiosk Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm; boaters can go through inspection and launch up until 4:00 pm and get banded before 5:00 pm

GENERAL CONDITIONS
If the kiosk is closed, please use the yellow Ventek machine to pay for parking (exact change only, please). For fishing permits, you may use either the Ventek machine or the blue iron ranger posts across from the kiosk, from the entrance from the Isherwood Staging Area, and from the walk-through gates by the Sequoia Bridge and from the Niles gate.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU MUST BE 100 FEET AWAY FROM THE FISH TUBE, THE BOAT DOCK, AND THE BEACH AREA while fishing from the shore and from a boat. Also, note that the use of lead fishing tackle is prohibited at Quarry Lakes. You can exchange lead tackle at the kiosk in a “1 for 1” trade for stainless steel weights.

On January 22nd, Lionel S. from Union City caught a six-and-a-half pound trout from the back of Horseshoe lake using mice tails.

On January 26th, Raj P. from Fremont caught two trout for a total of five-and-a-half pounds from Fisherman's Row using green Powerbait.

On February 1st, Nick P. from Hayward caught two four-pound trout from the shoreline to the left of the beach using spoons.

On February 1st, eight-year old Pedro I. from Newark caught a three-and-a-half pound trout from Fisherman's Row using chartreuse Powerbait.

If you want to report your catches, or have your photo taken, please come to the kiosk, and we will take your information!

CONTRA LOMA (ANTIOCH) »

HOURS OF OPERATION
November-February: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm; all watercraft must be off the lake by 4:00 pm.

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Reminder to boaters: All watercrafts (including float tubes) need to have a wearable Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) per person. Children age 12 and under must wear personal floatation device (PFD) while the vessel is underway.

Contra Loma has a great sunfish population including Bluegill and Redear Sunfish. These fish can usually be found in the shallower and more vegetated coves and along the dam face. We would recommend using small lures or worms if you are targeting the sunfish.

TROUT
Trout fishing has been slower the last couple of weeks. We will receive a trout plant the week of February 4th. We recommend fishing with Powerbait, lures, or nightcrawlers for the trout. Try fishing at the boat ramp area, or the Channel Point dock areas.

CATFISH
Catfishing has slowed down now that they are no longer being stocked. Try fishing for catfish at Channel Point or Loma Island with anchovies, nightcrawlers or chicken livers. Boaters would do well toward the middle of the reservoir or along the dam.

BASS
The black bass population at Contra Loma is thriving with lots of large bass in the lake! They will bite at artificial lures and baits, and they tend to chase the stocked trout, so a good swimming lure that resembles a trout should help you hook into some of the bass in the lake.

SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL PARK (PLEASANTON) »

HOURS OF OPERATION
February: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm; Boat Banding ends at 4:00 pm
All watercraft must be off the lake by 4:00 pm
Concessions and Marina: Closed for the season

Trail Closures: The third dock is only accessible via the levee trail. The trail between the second and third dock that runs alongside the lake is closed until further notice.

Please note boaters must be 100 feet away from the fish tube, swim ropes and the boat docks.

GENERAL CONDITIONS
The weather has been cool in the mornings with temperatures reaching into the low 60s in the afternoon.

Water Temperature: 55 degrees, depending on depth.
Water Clarity: Visibility seems to vary between 10-15 feet.

We encourage all anglers to stop by our kiosk on the way out to report catches, stories, comments, and/or concerns.
All personal watercraft must be off the lake ½ hour before sunset.
***************************************
REGULATIONS FOR THE ARROYO PONDS
* EBRPD Daily Fishing Permit, CA State Fishing License
Catch and Release, Barbless Hooks, Artificial lures, Float tubes only

FERRY PT. (MILLER KNOX) »

HOURS OF OPERATION
OPEN Seven Days a Week
Park Hours: 5:00 am - 10:00 pm
Parking lot open 7:00 am - 4:30 pm

GENERAL CONDITIONS
The weather has been stormy and rainy. When it hasn’t been raining, it has been cold and foggy

The herring run is over, but anglers are still going after some baitfish.

Reminder to boaters: Seas have been rough due to the high winds!

Attention anglers: Please do your part to keep the pier clean!

PT. PINOLE PIER (RICHMOND) »

HOURS OF OPERATION
OPEN Seven Days a Week
San Pablo Bay open 24 hours for fishing
Shuttle operates 7:30 am – 3:00 pm
Park/Gate hours 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Fishing has been picking up, as the spring gets closer. The spring striper run should bring more fish into San Pablo Bay. Temps have been 50-65 during the day with rain coming on and off almost daily.

Reminder to boaters: Please check conditions before launching your boat as conditions can change quickly this time of year.

Pier retrofit is complete, with all new benches, windscreens and cleaning station.

STRIPED BASS
We are seeing more striped bass being caught at the end of the pier. The best baits we can recommend would be chunks of jack smelt, anchovies, and pile worms. Multiple 18-24 inch fish have been reported with one large, 36 inch, 18 pound 8 ounce striper kept.

OTHER SPECIES
Several bat rays, leopard sharks, kingfish, jack smelt, herring and a few undersized halibut have been caught as well. Squid or anchovies are a good choice of bait to soak for most of these species. We would recommend fishing between the first and second wind breaks.

We also have a few reports of sturgeon being hooked and lost near the pier.

This beautiful 36 inch, 18 pound 8 ounce striper was caught off the pier on February 1st.

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Fishing information can be found our Fishing page.
Fees and Licenses: A California State Fishing License and an EBRPD fishing access permit ($5 per day for persons 16 years+) are required to fish at Del Valle, Contra Loma, Lake Chabot, Shadow Cliffs, Temescal, Don Castro, and Quarry Lakes.

NEW STURGEON REGULATIONS:  Sturgeon must be between 40 and 60 inches, (fork length) to keep.
> Sturgeon regulations - California Department of Fish & Wildlife

General Information

General Fishing information: Fishing Activities

Guidelines for Fish Consumption: Fishing Advisories

Fees and Licenses: A California State Fishing License and an EBRPD fishing access permit ($5 per day for persons 16 years+) are required to fish at Del Valle, Contra Loma, Lake Chabot, Shadow Cliffs, Temescal, Don Castro, and Quarry Lakes.

Individual Membership Program

Angler
 - Includes all the benefits of Basic Membership plus boat launch and annual fishing permit for one named individual; state fishing permit also required for individuals 16 years and older $300.

Special Access Angler (Seniors, Students, Veterans and persons with disabilities)
 - Senior Anglers must be 62+ years of age
 - Proof of eligibility required. Please supply documentation to membership@ebparks.org or fax it to (510) 635-3478 (attn: Membership) $180.