SUNDAY DRIVE

What you’ll see:

If you could pick any time to head to Del Valle Regional Park, the next week or so might be the best choice of the year. Temperatures are forecast for the 70s (perfect for hiking and biking) with high overcast in the morning (ideal for fishing), and weather fit for camping is not far off. Trout plants are peaking, and Lake Del Valle’s water level has risen a bit this month courtesy of delta imports.

Personal note:

In my personal survey, which grades all 275 parks in the greater Bay Area in eight categories, Del Valle came in No. 2 behind Point Reyes National Seashore.

Trout:

This month, 7,600 pounds of trout were planted. I’ve had my best luck reaching catch limits by anchoring and using chartreuse Power Nuggets and night crawlers on a two-hook rig at the upper end of the lake on the edge of the creek channel. For 5-pounders and bigger, try the lower end of the lake at the east corner of the dam and troll jointed Rapalas (black over gold, and in clown) 15 to 20 feet deep.

Mountain biking:

My favorite ride at Del Valle, which affords gorgeous lake views, starts just north of the marina and boat ramp. Take the East Shore Trail (a service road) north, a flat and easy cruise to Venados Group Camp. Turn right on the Swallow Bay Trail and the trail ascends alongside Badger Cove and Swallow Bay for nice lake views. Ride all the way to the dam if it suits you.

Boat/kayak rentals:

Del Valle Marina, (925) 449-5201, www.rockymountainrec.com; kayak rentals, Outback Adventures, (510) 440-888, www.outbackadventures.com.

Boat ramp:

$5 for boats with trailers, $3 for boats on car tops; inspection for invasive mussels, $7 for boats with motors, $4 for car-top boats. Boats, including kayaks, must be clean and dry or will be turned away. No personal watercraft. 10 mph speed limit.

Camping:

There are 150 campsites, including 21 RV sites with hookups for water, electricity and sewage. Restrooms with showers are within walking distance. Fees are $25 per night for tents or self-contained RVs, $45 for RVs with hookups; reserve ($8 fee) at www.reserveamerica.com.

Wilderness:

For hike-in trail camps in adjoining Ohlone Wilderness, $5 per night per person, plus $8 reservation fee for trail camps; reserve at (888) 3272757, option 2. Rocky Ridge offers a great view over Lake Del Valle to Pine Ridge.

Entry fees:

$6 per vehicle, $4 per trailered vehicle, $2 per dog, $5 daily fishing permit.

Map/brochure:

Provided at entry kiosk; pdf at ebparks.org.

GPS:

Use 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore.

How to get there:

From San Francisco, take Interstate 80 east over the Bay Bridge (get in right lane) to the split with I-580. Bear right on I-580 east and drive 34 miles to Livermore and the exit for North Livermore Avenue. Take that exit, turn right and drive 3 miles through Livermore (the road becomes Tesla Avenue), then continue 0.5 of a mile to Mines Road. Turn right and drive 3.5 miles to Del Valle Road. Continue straight on Del Valle Road (Mines Road turns left) and drive 3.1 miles to the park entrance.

When you enter the park:

After you pass the entry kiosk, you’ll reach a fork: Turn right to go to the small marina, boat ramp and trailhead for mountain bikes; turn left to reach the far side of the lake for campground, picnic areas, swimming area and trailhead for Ohlone Wilderness Trail.