Saturday, August 30, 2025 is a free fishing day in the East Bay Regional Park District as both Park District fishing fees and state fishing license requirements are waived for visitors. Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors, from first timers to seasoned anglers. It’s a fun activity for all ages that offers a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and connect with family and friends.
A California Fishing License is required for anglers, (16+ years of age), to fish all eligible inland waters, (lakes, ponds and reservoirs) of the East Bay Regional Park District.
Anglers 16+ years of age are required to purchase a District Fishing Permit in addition to having a valid State Fishing license. District lakes that do not require a District Fishing Permit include: Lake Anza (Berkeley), Don Castro Lagoon (Castro Valley), Jordan Pond (Hayward) and Shinn Pond (Niles/Fremont).
Boating is allowed at Contra Loma, Del Valle, Lake Chabot, Quarry Lakes, and Shadow Cliffs. Please check park webpages and current Alerts & Closures for conditions that might affect boating or fishing.
Fishing Information
District Rules and Regulations regarding Fishing (Section 800.1)
Read the Anglers' Edge newsletter for fish planting information and the latest fishing conditions.
The East Bay Regional Park District offers 10 lakes and reservoirs and over 25 miles of Bay/Delta shoreline and piers for fishing in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. The District plants catchable rainbow trout, (fall through spring) and channel catfish, (summer) in cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at the following locations:
The revenue generated from sales of District Fishing Permits allows the District to plant rainbow trout and channel catfish, (1 - 12+ pounds ea.) on a weekly basis. The District and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife plant over 200,000 pounds of catchable trout and catfish annually.
In addition to planting rainbow trout and channel catfish, the District promotes the reproduction and growth of other gamefish species in all of its lakes. These gamefish include largemouth, and smallmouth bass, bluegill, sunfish and crappie. (See Fish Habitat link)
From fly-fishing trout on Lake Chabot, to shore fishing for striped bass on Alameda Beach, the East Bay Regional Park District features many resources for all kinds of fishing.
Regional Park Fishing Lakes
Download: Fishing in East Bay Regional Parks, Map & Brochure (PDF)
Descargar: Pesca en East Bay Parques Regionales, Mapa y Folleto (PDF)
Click image above to enlarge
EBRPD Fisheries Management
The District’s Fisheries Program is dedicated to managing our parks for both recreational fishing and native fish conservation. For more information regarding reports and research conducted by the Park District's Fisheries Department, please see our Fisheries web page.
Fishing Programs
The Outdoor Recreation Department provides fishing programs in a fun group setting. Beginning anglers can learn the basics of trout fishing, cat-fishing and bass fishing at various District lakes or piers. Courses include instruction on fish habitat and ecology, knot tying, rigging, casting and gear selection. Register online for one of our public fishing classes.
Fishing Field Trips
The Outdoor Recreation Department provides affordable fishing field trips for schools, non-profits, and community organizations. Our knowledgeable and engaging Recreation staff provide fishing rods, bait, and gear, meet your group at the lake or shoreline, and provide a safe and organized introduction to freshwater or saltwater fishing. Depending on the location we can offer catch and release or catch and keep your fish programs. Programs occur at the following Regional parks: Antioch Pier, Big Break, Contra Loma, Del Valle, Martin Luther King, Jr., Miller/Knox, Point Pinole, Quarry Lakes, Shadow Cliffs, and Temescal Regional Parks. Trips can range from 1.5 to 3 hours, and costs vary, depending on group size and duration. Participants must be at least 8 years old. We can accommodate up to 20 participants at a time. However, we can accommodate larger groups if we split into two rotations. For more information and to Apply for a Fishing Field Trip.
Regional Parks Memberships for Anglers
Regional Parks Foundation Membership categories
Angler - $300
- Includes all the benefits of Basic Membership plus boat launch (excludes Invasive Mussel Inspection fees) and an annual District fishing permit for one named individual. (A California State Fishing License is also required for individuals 16 years and older.)
Special Access Angler - $180 (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)
Explore
Anglers' Edge
Current information fish planting in Park District lakes, and other information on Park District lake and shoreline fisheries.
Fisheries Information & Resources
District Fishing Permits
District Rules and Regulations regarding Fishing (Section 800.1)
Fishing Programs
Register online for one of our public fishing classes.
Fishing Rules and Ethics
Boat Rentals
Information on renting canoes, kayaks and fishing boats.
Notes on invasive mussel boat inspections
Avoid Salmon Dog Poisoning
Beware of your dog eating raw salmon or trout.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Link to the state of California's Fish and Wildlife resource website.
Fishing in the City
A California Department of Fish and Wildlife's program for city dwellers to learn how to fish.
CalTIP
Report poachers and polluters, call 1-888-DFG-CALTIP (1-888-334-2258). Or text "CALTIP", followed by a space and the message, to 847411.
Fishing Activity Calendar
Discover Fishing Activities, Classes and Programs!