Hike & Fish at Lake Chabot Regional Park
8.5 Miles
2500 Feet
Chillin, Fishing, Hiking
Beginner
Year Round
Loop
Lake Chabot has an 8.5-mile trail circumnavigates this scenic East Bay lake. The trail can get crowded as the day progresses, so best to get on it early. Fishing is popular and the lake is well-stocked with trout and catfish. Bait and tackle are available at the Lake Chabot Marina Cafe.
Looking for a fun day on a lake, but don't want to drive too far? We recommend heading out to the East Bay where you can combine a nice hike with an afternoon of fishing. This moderately challenging hike remains scenic throughout the 8.5 mile trek around the lake, and offers many opportunities for beautiful photos. Once you've completed the hike, head over to the Lake Chabot Marina Cafe for lunch and to pick up any bait and tackle you might need. You can rent boats, canoes, and kayaks at the marina as well.
And just in case fishing isn't your thing, there's a disc golf course at Chabot that you can hit post-hike as well. As you wrap up your day, plan to grab a bite and replenish at Fifth Wheel.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Make sure you look up youtube videos on how to use a worm blower. We had no idea what it was, but turns out that it really helps when trying to catch trout. It'll "blow your mind."
There are two main hikes to do around the lake-- a ~9 miler and a ~12 miler. The latter is shared with bikers. I preferred hiking counter-clockwise. Other tips: - You can park right outside the park gate if you want to save $5. - You can a rent boat and all fishing gear easily. It'll run about $70 for two people for two hours. - You will need two fishing permits, one more CA and one for the lake. - There is a little cafe where you can grab food and drinks if you get hungry.
To increase your odds, call the Marina bait shop before heading there to fish and ask when they are scheduled to stock the lake with trout.
