San Pablo Reservoir

an Pablo has an aggressive stocking program averaging 3,600 pounds of trout each week including trophy trout from 2 to 6 pounds as well as catfish plants during the summer. This reservoir also has an excellent population of largemouth bass with limited fishing pressure because of its reputation as a trout fishery.

Trolling is a popular method here among trout anglers who often use a downrigger or lead-core line to get to the cooler water later in the spring and summer. The area in front of the dam or across the mouth of Scow Canyon (the lakes largest finger) are the top trolling spots. Trollers find success with a variety of lures including Needlefish, Rapalas, Rainbow Runners, Kastmasters and Sep’s Pro Secrets. Bait fishing is also productive here. Berkley Power Bait and nightcrawlers top the list of best trout baits at San Pablo. A good bet for Bass are spinner baits or plastic worms fished in and around rocky points and grassy coves.

* Trout fishing should be picking up. Keep in mind that San Pablo Reservoir closes for the winter in mid-November so take advantage of the increasingly hot trout fishing while you can!
* Bait fisherman should use a nightcrawler and marshmallow combinationfor best results. Attractants work well with these kinds of baits and come in a variety of effective scents.
* Overcast days allow the trout to come closer to the surface. Trollers should adjust accordingly.
* Plants begin during these months and will continue throughout the winter.
* Catfish, bass, and sunfish will be difficult to find. The ambitious angler will find sticking to coves with significant cover will work best.