Of Fins and Flippers

Of Fins and Flippers. Lake Chabot Historical Walk. How do you climb the wall of a dam using fins? The dam blocked the natural migratory route of the steelhead trout, prohibiting them from swimming up San Leandro Creek to spawn in their natural habitat, what is now upper San Leandro Reservoir and tributary creeks. To sustain the fish population and stock the lake, Anthony Chabot constructed a fish hatchery in 1874 near the dam. The hatchery became the California State Fish and Game Hatchery 1878-1883. The hardiness of fish, like the land-locked Maine salmon and Eastern brook trout, were tested here before distribution across California. Some of the fish now found in the lake are illustrated here. , At times certain fish like carp were not desired, as they were believed to stir up silt in the reservoir. In the early 1900s sea lions were introduced as fish eating predators to alleviate the carp problem, but instead they clamored up the hills in search of saltier waters. , In the 1930s, carp and suckers were accused of mucking up the lake. A San Francisco company netted 16 tons of these unwanted fish, reselling the live catch for 40 cents a pound. , In 1966, the East Bay Regional Park District opened Lake Chabot for public recreation. Under a lease agreement with the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Fishing licenses and permits are required for all anglers aged 16 and older. Licenses may be purchased at the Marina. Enjoy youR catch and thank you for keeping Lake Chabot clear for other anglers. , Angler fees help keep Lake Chabot stocked with fish. , Captions: , Sunfish; blue gill; rainbow trout. This native fish made it debut in hatcheries worldwide after being raised in the California State Fish and Game hatchery here at Lake Chabot; largemouth bass. In July 1887, the Contra Costa Water Company imported largemouth bass in to purify the water; channel catfish.