Catfish are the primary action at San Pablo Reservoir, but other fishing is good as well

San Pablo Reservoir - El Sobrante, CA (Contra Costa County)


by San Pablo Reservoir
9-5-2011

Trout
Since the lake's temperature is hovering around 70 degrees it is best to cast deep. Shore fishing has been good at Oak Point, Sobrante Point and the main visitor center. Trout are still biting PowerBait, nightcrswlers, or a nightcrawler/power egg combo. We have had some success trolling. A few 3 or 4 pounders have been caught trolling the mouth of Scow Canyon in 26 feet of water. If trolling, use a Fire Tiger Rapala or a Needlefish at about at least 25 feet deep. Trout have also been reported from the Rock Wall to Sandy Point.

Bass
The bass bite has been good. Black Bass have been hitting on green pumpkin plastic wormns and lizards and fire tiger crank baits from 6 to 10 feet. Fish early in the morning and late in the evening for best results bouncing tubes, lizards and Brush Hawgs in watermelon and green pumpkin colors. Those tatics have worked best for Black Bass. Smallmouth are good on Zara Spooks and 3 inch swimbaits off the main lake points and from mid-lake to the dam early in the morning. Largemouth bass are attracted by Texas-rigged worms and jig-head worms, watermelon seed, green pumpkin and watermelon candy are the best colors.

Catfish
With 6,500 pounds of catfish planted this season and another 1,000 pounds on the way, Catfish fishing will continue to improve. Although the catfish haven't been large, the numbers of catfish have been impressive. The majority of catfish have been caught inside Scow Canyon. Other hot spots have been Laggi Landing, the boat launch and The Pines. Cats are biting on chicken livers, nightcrawlers, Bloody Blood Gulp Catfish Dough and PowerBait Catfish scent.

Crappie
This is the first time in a long time we have seen Crappie. With the lake near capacity for the last two seasons, crappies have made a comeback despite the aggressive bass population. We have had several limits from Scow Canyon and reports of various catches from the launch. When fishing from shore, try fishing around some type of cover such as docks or logs. Most of the time you will find them suspended in the middle, so don't fish on the bottom. Try a number 12 hook and a worm of PowerBait Crappie Nibbles about 3 feet below your bobber. If fishing with a crappie jig, let it settle to the bottom. Twitch it a couple of times off the bottom, pick it up and let it re-drop. The best jigs seem to be anything with chartreuse in it.


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