SUNDAY DRIVE

Opening weekend: After a three-month closure, San Pablo Reservoir opens this weekend for the 2020 season and a chance to cast for fish that have forgotten all about baits, hooks and lures. To jump-start the year, 6,000 trout were planted (on both sides of the lake) on Monday, another 2,000 pounds on Tuesday, with plenty of time to acclimate and join holdovers from last year.

About the lake: San Pablo is set in a pretty canyon near El Sobrante, north of Orinda. The lake’s headquarters is called Main Rec, where there is a store with fishing equipment, advice, coffee and eats, and a small marina with boat rentals. At a separate location to the south off San Pablo Dam Road, there is an excellent six-lane boat ramp. The lake has a major lake arm, Scow Canyon, and at the head of the lake, a designated waterfowl area.

Lake conditions: The recent cold, clear weather has allowed the lake to settle and clear: 79% full, surface temperature 53 degrees; excellent for trout fishing.

Boat rentals: San Pablo is one of the best lakes in the Bay Area for flat-water kayaking. Selfpowered rentals are available for kayak, rowboat, canoe or pedal boat, $12 per hour or $39 all day. What they call “deluxe motor boats” and multiple style patio boats available. Deposit required. Discounts available for seniors, disabled veterans on weekdays.

Kayaking: The deep coves at San Pablo provide outstanding flat-water paddling for kayaks and canoes.

Fishing:

As long as the water clarity is good, trout fishing is often excellent from both bank and boat. From shore, use Berkley Mice Tails or Power Bait (orange, chartreuse, garlic), dunked in Trout Bait Dip as the preferred entreaties; some use two hooks and add a nightcrawler on the bottom hook. Trolling can be good with jointed Rapalas (colored in clown or blacksilver) and Needlefish (colored in rainbow or black-silver), 8 to 15 feet deep.

Bird watching: White pelicans and waterfowl are common in late winter, and boaters make occasional sightings of migratory ospreys and a resident bald eagle.

Picnics: At Main Rec and near the boat launch, picnic sites with barbecues are available.

Boating rules: All boats must be certified mussel-free before launching. A 25 mph speed limit is posted for open water at the center of the lake, with 5 mph zones near the shoreline and in the waterfowl preserve at head of lake. Float tubes, canoes, kayaks are permitted. No wakes within 100 feet of shoreline. No two-cycle engines. No water contact, including windsurfing, water skiing, personal watercraft, swimming or wading.

Entry: $7 per vehicle entry fee; $125 season pass (half price for those 62 or older)

Fishing: $6 per person daily fishing permit

Boat ramp: $8 boat ramp fee, $4 for kayaks, float tubes, other hand-launched boats; $6 mussel inspection fee. Season passes available.

Dogs: Leashed dogs permitted

Hours: Open 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contacts: San Pablo Main Rec, 510-223-1661, www.rockymountainrec.com; East Bay Municipal Utility District, www.ebmud.com/recreation.