Status
Open with park
CA license
Yes, 16+
Park permit
$5/day, 16+
Limits
Check CDFW
Last checked Oct 15, 2026 · Rules change. Confirm with the official sources below.
Quick answer
Open
Fishing is allowed when the park is open, never when it's closed. Check East Bay Parks alerts before you drive.
License
Age 16+: you need a California fishing license. Buy online (CDFW)
Permit
Age 16+: you also need an East Bay Parks fishing permit, $5/day. Sold at Lake Chabot Marina, park kiosks and online. Permit details
Check
Parking fee, park hours and boat rules: UNVERIFIEDCheck the Lake Chabot park page or call the marina.
Rules
| Topic | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill & sunfish, black crappie, channel catfish | East Bay Parks |
| Hours (trout) | 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset, year-round. No fishing when the park is closed. | East Bay Parks |
| Trout limit | UNVERIFIEDCheck the daily bag and possession limit in the CDFW freshwater regulations. | CDFW |
| Black bass | UNVERIFIEDCheck daily limit and any minimum size for Alameda County's district. | CDFW |
| Catfish, crappie, sunfish | UNVERIFIEDCheck CDFW limits for each. | CDFW |
| Rods | UNVERIFIEDCheck whether one rod is the limit and whether a second-rod validation applies. | CDFW |
| Bait & live bait | UNVERIFIEDCheck CDFW live-bait rules and any park rule on live fish or minnows. | CDFW · EBRPD |
| Boats & float tubes | Boating is allowed. Private boats or float tubes: UNVERIFIEDCheck with the marina and the mussel inspection rules. | East Bay Parks · Mussels |
| Report poaching | Call 1-888-DFG-CALTIP (1-888-334-2258) or text "CALTIP" + message to 847411. | East Bay Parks |
Is it safe to eat what you catch?
| Fish | Women 18–45 & kids | Women 46+ & men |
|---|---|---|
| Rainbow trout | 7 | 7 |
| Channel catfish | 2 | 7 |
| Sunfish | 2 | 4 |
| Black bass | Do not eat | 1 |
| Common carp | Do not eat | 1 |
| Goldfish | Do not eat | 2 |
Conditions this weekend
WeatherNational Weather Service forecast at the lake
Trout plantsEast Bay Parks "Anglers' Edge." Plants run fall through spring.
ClosuresPark alerts, algae and trail closures
Water levelUNVERIFIED No public gauge found yet
What people get wrong
"I have a state license, so I'm good."
Not here. Anyone 16+ also needs the $5/day East Bay Parks fishing permit.
"The park permit replaces the license."
No. You need both. The park permit pays for the fish plants.
"My kid needs a permit too."
Both requirements start at age 16.
"Bass are fine to eat."
The state says women 18–45 and kids shouldn't eat black bass from Lake Chabot. Everyone else: 1 serving a week.
"Trout are stocked all year."
Trout plants run fall through spring. Catfish plants are a summer thing.