Tons of trout and cool weather in the forecast will jump start the Bay Area fall trout fishing season.
Aggressive planting has been going on since late September but more stocks are planned. The change in weather is predicted for this weekend with the first rain storms of the season forecasted for early next week. That all adds up to great prospects for Bay Area anglers at lakes in the East Bay and Marin.
“There have been relatively warm conditions so that hasn’t been good for trout fishing,” said Pete Alexander, the Fisheries Program Manager for the East Bay Regional Park District. “That will change and we’re getting ready for a big trout bite in the fall.”
The first big trout of the season was caught this week from Quarry Lakes. David Gauthier of Fremont on Wednesday caught an eight-pound, 10-ounce trout at the Fremont lake. More are sure to follow because lakes are getting large and frequent plants.
This week Contra Loma is receiving 2.200 pounds of trout from the Mount Lassen Hatchery for this weekend’s youth derby. The state is going to add another 1,000 pounds next week.
Lafayette Reservoir has received 3,000 pounds of trout from the California Department of Fish & Game and is slated to get another 1,000 pounds next week. The lake has not started putting in bonus plants of the typically larger Mount Lassen rainbow trout.
Lake Chabot, Shadow Cliffs, Quarry Lakes and Del Valle have been receiving at least 500 pounds of trout per week purchased by the East Bay Regional Park District since late September. Chabot received 750 pounds last week and this week Shadow Cliffs (1,000 pounds) and Quarry Lakes (800 pounds) received additional plants from the state on top of the 500 pounds from EBRPD.
The trout bite at Del Valle has been only so-so, but best around the dam where the plants are taking place. Cooler weather will allow the trout to spread out throughout the lake.
Lake Temescal in Oakland was stocked with 500 pounds two weeks ago and will get another 500 pounds next week.
The plants at Chabot, Contra Loma, Del Valle, Shadow Cliffs and Quarry Lake come from funds received from fishing access permits. The $5 permits go directly into purchasing fish. Typically the permits bring in $500,000 per year according to Alexander.
Alexander said there will be double stocks of Mount Lassen trout and trout from Desert Springs Hatchery in Oregon during the week leading up to Thanksgiving.
San Pablo Reservoir closes Oct. 31 to Feb. 8 but there will be plants up to the the Family Fishing Day on Oct. 27.
DFG put in 2,000 pounds last week and they may bring another load before the final week. The concessionaire will add 1,000 pounds of Mount Lassen trout on Oct. 25.
The Family Fishing Day is free and discount parking is available for $4. Fishing experts will be available to provide one-on-one fishing instruction throughout the day. More information is available at http://www.ebmud.com/recreation/san-pablo-recreation-area.
The Mount Tamalpais lakes Bon Tempe and Lagunitas have received recent plants of trout. Bon Tempe received 1,000 pounds last week and will get another next week. Lagunitas received a plant this week.
The neighboring lakes provide a Sierra-like setting without the long drive. Trout respond to Power Bait, nightcrawlers or small spinners.
Keywords: Bay Area, trout, Lake Chabot, San Pablo Reservoir, Quarry Lakes, Contra Loma Reservoir, Lake Del Valle, Shadow Cliffs, Lafayette Reservoir
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