Exploring San Pablo Reservoir
Tucked between El Sobrante and Orinda, the San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area provides access to a beautiful, scenic area. Operated by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) and managed by Rocky Mountain Recreation, the reservoir offers a range of outdoor activities—birding, fishing, picnicking, and hiking among them. You can pop the address 7301 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante, CA 94803 into your phone to get directions.
Protecting the Waters: Golden Mussel Closures
As of the Fall of 2025, EBMUD has temporarily closed all boat launches at San Pablo Reservoir to prevent the spread of the invasive Golden Mussel, recently discovered in the Delta. These small but destructive mussels can clog water infrastructure, disrupt local ecosystems, and threaten fisheries. So at this moment you can’t launch a private boat, but you can still enjoy the area.
Fishing
The staff stocks the San Pablo Reservoir regularly with trout and catfish, so you can expect to find some good fishing there. You can visit FishCaddy for the current stocking schedule. You’ll need both a California fishing license and an EBMUD fishing permit, available at the visitor center where staff can also offer local tips on where the fish are biting.
Hiking and Picnicking
If you’d like to do some hiking, the San Pablo Reservoir offers miles of hiking trails with access to regional trail connections. You can find trailheads in a number of locations. Download the map to get an overview of the trails. You can see a variety of wildlife on the trails including pelicans, osprey, and coyotes.
The park has a number of picnic areas. The single tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Larger groups can reserve spaces near the visitor center. Group sites such as Lakeview, Eagles Nest, Oaks, and Pinescan can each host up to 100 people.
Good to Know
No swimming or paddleboarding. The reservoir supplies drinking water to the Bay Area, so body contact is prohibited.
Dogs are allowed on paved roads and in west side parking areas (on leash, max three dogs per person). Dogs aren’t allowed in boats or in the water.
Whether you come to fish, hike, picnic, or simply take in the view, San Pablo Reservoir offers a beautiful escape just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area’s urban life.
You might also like
