About The Park
Lake Chabot Reservoir was built in 1874-75 as a primary source of water for the East Bay. The 315-acre lake was closed to recreation for 91 years. Legislation passed in the 1960s opened the lake for controlled recreational uses. Currently, the lake serves as a standby emergency water supply. For this reason, visitors are asked to observe certain necessary regulations to keep the waters pure.
Park Features
The 315-acre Lake Chabot is stocked with trout and catfish. There are also bass, crappie, and other fish. A popular event is the annual spring fishing derby. There are several fishing piers in the park. Enjoy scenic walks on the 280-acre Fairmont Ridge or take the Lake Chabot History Walk. An all-new outdoor Fitness Zone has six interactive exercise machines set in a rain garden landscaped with native plants.
Fishing and Boating
The 315-acre, well-stocked lake is open for fishing and boating throughout the year. It is a popular Bay Area fishing destination, ideal for kids out for their first fishing experience. The Lake Chabot Marina Cafe offers a well-stocked bait and tackle shop and is open year round (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). It features a restaurant that serves snacks, breakfast, and lunch. Fishing at Lake Chabot requires a current California Fishing License with stamps and an EBRPD Daily Fishing Access Permit for all anglers aged 16 and older. California Fish and Game regulations apply. Fishing licenses and EBRPD permits may be purchased at the Marina Cafe. No live fish may be used as bait. All other legal bait and lures are permitted. Fish may be cleaned only at the cleaning station along the walk near the parking lot. Catch-and-release angling is encouraged for bass, bluegill, and crappie. However, the release of badly hooked game fish and all non-game fish is not allowed. Please bring any unwanted and tagged fish and your completed creel census card (on back of fishing permit) to the Chabot Marina. With your cooperation, we can maintain an effective fish management program to ensure that you will always have good fishing.
Golfing
The District's 18-hole Redwood Canyon Public Golf Course (formerly Willow Park), part of Lake Chabot Regional Park and adjacent to Anthony Chabot Regional Park, is located at 17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley.
Hiking, Riding, and Bicycle Trails
Lake Chabot offers over 20 miles of hiking trails, which connect to the additional 70 miles of trails in adjoining Anthony Chabot Regional Park. The paved, 3.52-mile West Shore and East Shore trails provide access to the south and east shores of the lake (no equestrians on the East or West Shore Trail). The Lake Chabot bicycle loop covers 12.42 miles via the Live Oak Trail and 14.41 miles via the Honker Bay Trail. Various trails in Lake Chabot Regional Park provide access to the Skyline National Trail north of the lake in Anthony Chabot Regional Park. All fire roads in the park are open to mountain bikes unless otherwise posted. Please note that narrow single-track trails are closed to bicycles. Riders should be aware of hazardous trail conditions in winter months.
Picnicking
Picnic facilities (tables with barbecue pits) are located adjacent to the parking and marina area. These sites include first-come, first-served sites and 6 reservable picnic areas that accommodate 50-200 people each, depending on the site. For information or to make a reservation, call 1-888-EBPARKS.
Swimming
Swimming is not permitted in Lake Chabot. The reservoir was built in 1874-75 as a primary water source for the East Bay and remained closed for 91 years. Legislation passed in the 1960s opened the lake for controlled recreational uses such as fishing and non-water-contact boating. Currently, the lake serves as a standby emergency water supply. Visitors are asked to observe regulations that keep the waters pure.
