Outing to Lake Chabot

My husband and I enjoyed a summer stroll by Lake Chabot, as the heat of the afternoon peaked and the air started to cool. The Lake Chabot Regional Park is operated by East Bay Regional Park District, and leased from East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). Lake Chabot was built in 1874-75 to serve as a main water source for Oakland and San Leandro, and used until the late 1930s. In the 1960s, Lake Chabot was opened for public recreation, and reserved for emergency use. The lake was used as a water source was during the drought in 1977.

Low water level near the Lake Chabot Marina and Cafe

We parked near the marina, which is one of several entrances to the park. The picnic area was packed with festive groups celebrating family milestones, and the pleasure of summer. The Lake Chabot Marina and Café serves breakfast and lunch, and sells bait and tackle.

Boaters on Lake Chabot

The lake is stocked with various fish, such as bass, trout, and catfish. I heard several people near us exclaiming how low the lake appeared, compared to when they were children. The water level seemed especially low near the marina, with quite a bit of bare shore exposed around the lake.

Shady walk by the water's edge

We stuck to the shady path around the lake, and enjoyed the mixed forest, the native plants, and the people fishing, boating, and relaxing in the park. These small lakes and reservoirs are an important part of the local water strategy.
 

California buckeye (Aesculus californica)

California blackberry (Rubus ursinus)

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