Leland Reservoir, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Look for Leland Reservoir in the Contra Costa County part of California. It lies 364 feet above sea level. It lies lower than most water we list in California. The closest town, Acalanes Ridge, is 0.9 miles away. Concord is the closest city, 6.8 miles away. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing. Trees shelter part of the bank when the wind gets up.

• Where to Fish on Leland Reservoir

  Depth is unmeasured here, so let the shoreline guide you. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. Contra Costa County records list striped bass, green sturgeon, white sturgeon, Chinook salmon and rainbow trout among the fish reported. Some of the species recorded here are protected or tightly regulated, so check what may be targeted before you fish. At Leland Reservoir light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 68°F in August and bottoms out near 47°F in January. Cooler months are the productive ones on most of this water. Heat pushes fish deep from June onwards, so start early. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. That shapes the year on Leland Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. You can leave the car about 170 yards from the water. Olympic Blvd. Staging Area covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Lafayette Reservoir, 3 miles out. Check the position on Leland Reservoir before loading the car.