San Andreas Lake, California: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The San Mateo County end of California holds San Andreas Lake. The surroundings are pine and hardwood. Surface area runs to roughly 486 acres, so plan for one area rather than the whole. The edge covers about 5.6 miles, enough to hold several distinct areas. On our San Mateo County list it sits near the top for size. The town to know is Millbrae, 2.2 miles out. For a city, San Mateo is 6.2 miles off. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on San Andreas Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. San Mateo County records list rainbow trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, striped bass and koi among the fish reported. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Read San Andreas Lake before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical September readings run about 62°F; by January the average is down near 50°F. Temperatures stay workable through the cold season. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Time your trip to San Andreas Lake by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. There is a launch about half a mile from the bank. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. A rest area sits about 0.9 miles from the water. Toilets are half a mile away, which matters on a long session. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Pilarcitos Lake, 3 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Treat access at San Andreas Lake as something to verify.