San Pablo Reservoir, located in Contra Costa County, is known for its scenic views and quiet fishing spots. On this particular trip, the weather was mild, with temperatures hovering in the low 70s, offering the perfect conditions to head out for some trout and bass fishing. Winds were around 10-15 mph, which made kayak fishing a bit challenging, so we decided to stick to the shore. As always, San Pablo didn’t disappoint, offering peaceful surroundings and a chance to reel in some decent catches.
The reservoir is a great spot for anglers of all levels, providing various species to target throughout the year. On this trip, we focused on trout and bass, two of the more popular species at this time. While the bite wasn’t explosive, it was steady enough to keep us engaged.
New to this spot? Check out our full guide, complete with Google Maps, top gear recommendations, and insider tips.
The trout bite was consistent in the early hours, as expected. We started the morning by tossing some Kastmasters and Mepps spinners near submerged structures along the shore. A few small rainbows bit early, but nothing over 14 inches. Still, it was a good way to kick off the day. These trout are regular stockers, so we weren’t expecting massive catches, but it was enough to keep us active.
As the day progressed, the wind picked up, and it became a little too strong for finesse fishing techniques. We noticed other anglers nearby, some trying their luck with live bait like nightcrawlers, but they seemed to face the same challenges we did. With the wind gusting, targeting trout became trickier, and many of us had to adjust our strategies.
The afternoon brought a shift in our focus to bass. The wind had stirred up the water, and we decided to switch to crankbaits and jerkbaits, trying to get the bass to bite near submerged cover. San Pablo is known for having some decent bass hiding near the rocky shoreline and submerged trees, and while they weren’t exactly jumping onto our lines, we managed to coax a few bites. A solid 3-pound largemouth gave us a good fight, which made the effort worthwhile. Bass here can be a bit elusive, especially on days with more challenging conditions, but persistence paid off.
The wildlife around the reservoir was active as usual. We spotted a few osprey hunting fish, and an eagle soared overhead, adding to the peaceful vibe. One of the great things about San Pablo Reservoir is how connected to nature you feel, even though it’s just a short drive from the city.
As the day wound down, we tried our luck again with the trout using PowerBait on the bottom. A couple more small ones bit, but nothing to write home about. Overall, it was a modest day with no giant catches, but the time spent in the serene surroundings made it worth it.
San Pablo Reservoir is a solid spot whether you’re fishing solo or bringing family along for a relaxed day. The shoreline is easily accessible, and with electric boat rentals available, it’s a convenient spot for both shore and boat anglers.
Fishing Summary:
- Species Targeted: Rainbow trout, largemouth bass
- Best Gear: Kastmasters, Mepps spinners, jerkbaits, PowerBait
- Fishing Conditions: Windy, low 70s, with gusts making kayak fishing difficult
- Highlights: Steady trout action in the morning, a decent 3-pound bass in the afternoon
- Wildlife Spotted: Osprey, bald eagles
Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the game, San Pablo Reservoir is worth a visit. It offers both fishing and a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you’re new here, be sure to check out our full guide for tips on the best spots and techniques.
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