Hike and Fish at Nicasio Reservoir

Nicasio is a quaint town just inland of the more popular coastal town of Point Reyes. It's most known for it's wine country, rolling hills, and the home of Skywalker Ranch, George Lucas's getaway home. Most visitors of this area either pass right on through for Point Reyes or use it's scenic roads for cycling. The land has a lot to offer, especially with hikes, streams, and small lakes for fishing so a stop here will never disappoint. From San Francisco it's only one hour to the lake, so a day trip is very doable, but I suggest finding a place to stay so you have more time to explore the area!

Parking along the Nicasio Reservoir is free and very accessible. There are many areas to pull off and leave your car safely on Nicasio Valley Rd. Once you've geared up it's just a short walk to the water's edge where you can set up your rod and cast out. Unfortunately, there is no swimming or boat launches but you can hang out anywhere on the beach. Naturally, the best times to fish, as well as hike along the lake, will be early in the morning or evening since it does get quite hot during the summer days. Once you're ready to take a break from fishing, the hike is about 3 miles along the waters edge with some elevation gain, giving you expansive views of the reservoir and surrounding country.

The lake is stocked with all kinds of fish, mostly large and small mouth bass with the occasional catfish and trout. The only complaint I have with the location is the amount of traffic passing by the lake. You don't quite get the serene, "just you and your rod" type feeling that you can have in the more privy destinations, but it's still incredibly peaceful and easy to lose yourself in the surrounding beauty. Once the sun starts to set, and the horses come out to roam the hillside, there is a distinct magic about the place that makes you feel like you're all alone. Enjoy!