Mallard Reservoir near Concord: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Within Contra Costa County, California, you have Mallard Reservoir. The country here is open plain. With some 203 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. Bank access stretches around 2.3 miles in total. By elevation it sits in the lower part of our California listings. The town to know is Concord, 2.8 miles out. Beyond it, Pacheco at 3 miles and Vine Hill at 3 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Mallard Reservoir

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Across Contra Costa County, recorded fish include striped bass, green sturgeon, white sturgeon and Chinook salmon. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Take Mallard Reservoir a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 71°F and January at 47°F. Winter is the comfortable season here rather than the difficult one. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Mallard Reservoir runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. Mapping shows parking within half a mile. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. For a change of water, Martinez Reservoir is 3.7 miles distant. What applies at Mallard Reservoir may have changed since it was mapped.