Pomponio Reservoir Fishing Guide, San Mateo County, California

• Overview

  Out in San Mateo County, California, sits Pomponio Reservoir. The surface lies 584 feet up. Small at around 11 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. It lies lower than most water we list in California. Portola Valley sits 7.8 miles from here and is the nearest stop. Ladera is 9.9 miles away, with Woodside at 10 miles. This one is safely inside the county line.

• Where to Fish on Pomponio Reservoir

  Depth figures are not published for this one. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Across San Mateo County, recorded fish include rainbow trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, striped bass and koi. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Take Pomponio Reservoir a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect August to average close to 63°F, with December the cold end at about 49°F. It fishes twelve months of the year. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Plan any trip to Pomponio Reservoir around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. No slipway, car park or made path shows up nearby in mapping, so treat access as rough. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Should this one be busy, Big Lagoon is 0.3 miles off. For Pomponio Reservoir in particular, ask before you travel.