Lake Chabot to Hold 50th Anniversary Celebration

• Lake Chabot; Photo by Patch reader Dave Sarkisian

CASTRO VALLEY, CA - The East Bay Regional Park District is throwing a 50th anniversary party for Lake Chabot Regional Park -- and you're invited!

A free festival will be held on Saturday, June 4 at the lake. The festival – and fishing derby kick-off – will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 17600 Lake Chabot Road in Castro Valley.

Anglers’ alert: you’re welcome for the fishing derby as early as 7 a.m.

Lake Chabot Regional Park opened to the public on June 18, 1966, after securing an agreement with the East Bay Municipal Utilities District (EBMUD), which owns and operates the reservoir.

The opening day fishing derby was met with enthusiasm by thousands of eager anglers who had been waiting for years to fish in the lake.

Park District board member Dennis Waespi grew up in Castro Valley and has been a park regular for years. “Lake Chabot has always been very close to my heart. The park is a tremendous asset to the community. It’s a great place to get outdoors, hike, boat, fish, and picnic,” said Waespi.

Festival features

The festival will include a day of family-friendly fun, including the fishing derby kick-off (with a contest and prizes), a kids’ fishing area, fishing clinics and demos, paddle boat races, lake tours on the Chabot Queen, nature hikes, the EBRPD mobile fish exhibit, entertainment, exhibits, a BBQ and more!

Park admission is free, and so are the lake tours (while tickets last). There will even be loaner fishing gear available for the kids, thanks to Let’s Go Fishing Productions. The entertainment includes classic rock tribute band TinMan, on stage from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Bring your fishing gear and the family for a fun-filled day at the lake. You’ll also have the opportunity to support the Regional Parks Foundation by purchasing derby tickets, T-shirts, and a special “Kick-Back Ale” from Drake’s Brewing Co.

The event is sponsored by the East Bay Regional Park District, the Regional Parks Foundation, the California Parks Company, and the Lake Chabot Marina & Café.

• Saturday, June 4
• 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Lake Chabot Regional Park
• 17600 Lake Chabot Road
• Castro Valley, CA 94546
• Free parking/event admission
• Fishing derby $5 registration