Bay Area Freshwater

Chesbro Reservoir

by Ed Hood May 27, 2014

A smaller reservoir that very few San Jose residents know exists is Chesbro Reservoir. I really enjoy fishing this reservoir because of the great underwater structure, lots of shoreline, and is usually not busy with fishermen. Watercraft are not allowed on this reservoir, so it’s very serene and quiet. Unfortunately many fish are seen jumping out in the middle of the lake and you can’t get to them, but there are still plenty of large carp and largemouth that cruise within 30-feet from the shoreline.

A recent Google Maps satellite photo shows a nearly depleted lake.

Access to the lake is along Oak Glen Ave., and a parking lot is at the dam end of the lake (east end). On a normal water year, nearly the entire shoreline along Oak Glen Ave. from Uvas Rd. is accessible, but this year, the water has receded halfway down the lake and access will start at the intersection of Willow Springs Rd. and Oak Glen.

Most of the fish have been pushed closer to the dam and many people have found this out. The anglers out there will be fishing along the dam and boat launch ramp in the deeper holes. Still worth checking it out in the early morning and evening on weekdays, but the murky water and concentrated fish/anglers will make it more difficult than usual. The fish seem to be spawning much deeper this year due to the water conditions as well. This seems to be the case with most bay area bass lakes. This means covering a lot of shoreline and finding the fish rather than staying put.

A view from the parking lot, looking at the boat launch ramp/dam. Last year, the water was at the end of the ramp. This year, it is about 30 feet below it.

Looking west from the boat launch ramp. Tons of shoreline and exposed points… structure worth noting.

Cove next to boat launch ramp. Usually underwater and holds some good bluegill and carp.

Old bridge exposed at Willow Springs/Oak Glen intersection.

If you want to fish for bass this year, don’t wait too long. Water will (obviously) be very low and will warm up very quickly. Temperatures have been mild, so get out there and fish them now. Once the water warms to the mid-70s, the bass will disappear into the cooler depths and will be difficult to reach without a boat and some fast sink line.