Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and recreation areas near San Ramon where fishing is allowed, closest first.
Good to know: Anyone 16 or older generally needs a state fishing license; seasons, limits and special rules vary by water. California license information ↗
Contra Loma Dam and reservoir are part of the Central Valley Project - Delta Division and offers recreational opportunities for the East Bay area near San Francisco.
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in a vast cultural and natural landscape.
Aquatic Park Cove is a vibrantly urban harbor that mimics a natural anchorage and is located on the Pacific shores of one of America's great West Coast cities.
An area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast, Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary protects the wildlife and habitats of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world.
The Bay Model was built in 1957 as a research tool to test the impact of proposed changes to San Francisco Bay and its related waterways.
Kirby Cove is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge at historic Battery Kirby. Visitors are awarded breathtaking views of San Francisco, its famous Golden Gate Bridge, and the rugged Pacific Coast of northern California.
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species.
In response to rapidly disappearing wetlands and its prime location within the Pacific Flyway, the refuge was created in 1974 to protect migratory birds, wetland habitat, and endangered species.
With acquisition of the first property in 1994, Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge was officially established as the 505th unit in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Entirely offshore, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary protects soft seafloor habitat, a rocky bank, deep-sea canyons, and diverse wildlife, while acting as a feeding ground for many marine mammals and seabirds.
Lake Solano Park, Solano Project , is located at the base of coastal foothills at the western edge of the Sacramento Valley and offers an array of recreational opportunities.
Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs, east of the Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa offers year-round recreation opportunities.
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover.
Nestled between Blue Ridge and Cedar Roughs east of Napa Valley, Lake Berryessa provides ample public recreation opportunities.
Just a few minutes NE of Modesto in the Central Valley. Here, a serene series of small parks are located along the Stanislaus River, providing exciting fishing, rafting, and canoeing opportunities. N of Modesto 10 mi via CA 99.
Coyote Point sits along New Hogan Lake in the brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
New Hogan Dam and Lake is located in the oak- and brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 4,400 acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam.
New Hogan Dam and Lake is located in the oak- and brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 4,400 acre lake was created in 1964 with the completion of New Hogan Dam.
Acorn Campground is a sunny campground in the brush-covered hills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The area is generally characterized by a warm, dry climate with summer temperatures regularly soaring above 90 degrees.
Oak Knoll Campground sits along New Hogan Lake in the brush-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Recreation Boating is a popular pastime, with boat ramps conveniently located around the lake.
Glory Hole Recreation Area is located at New Melones Lake on the Stanislaus River.
Tuttletown Recreation Area is located at New Melones Lake on the Stanislaus River.
Lake Sonoma's Boat-In Sites are scattered around beautiful Lake Sonoma, only a 45-minute drive north of Santa Rosa and a two-hour drive from San Francisco.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown San Ramon. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Contra Loma Reservoir (Bureau of Reclamation), about 16 miles north of San Ramon as the crow flies. Next are Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (17 mi) and Aquatic Park Cove, Black Point Overnight Anchoring, Sailing Vessels only (auxiliary engine OK) (27 mi).
Yes, anglers 16 and older generally need a California fishing license from the state wildlife agency. Rules, seasons and limits vary by water.
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.