Lake Merced - San Francisco intel?

I recently moved to SF and pass this lake on the way home. I think I am going to get the yak and explore the 1-3 lakes. The DFG stocks one of them so it could be good. Any intel about them?

I should be out there tonight or early AM tomorrow. Ch69

JBrewDog

they do stock it (north lake) , but ive never fished there nor heard anything good. i live in SF too . i usually drive to chabot, san pablo , or del valle. let me know how you do tomorrow though. good luck!

I went there last month just to get my boat in the water, and I have to say, it sucks. The only fish caught there are by cormorants.

It is stocked, so if you get the schedule you're in business.

The problem with that lake is that there is no oxygen. The lake is essentially water storage for the golf courses, and little else.

If you go, be aware of the rod and gun club that's open on the south lake on Wednesdays and weekends. The SF police gun range shouldn't be a problem though.

I have heard rumors the lake is also stocked with dead bodies on occasion. Do not gaffe these.

I have heard rumors the lake is also stocked with dead bodies on occasion. Do not gaffe these.

This is true, I was there when a body was found by another kayaker.  A dragonboat assisted the firemen in retrieving the body.

DFG stocks the lake w/ trout but the fishing stinks.  You can practice here, but don't expect to catch anything. 

The last time I fished the north lake I hooked and released 10 spotted bass (4 lb. avg. big fish 8.5) 2 cats to 10 lbs. using med. crankbaits and 1/4 -3/8oz spinnerbaits and rip baits. Work the rock wall and tules to the big  eucalyptus tree, tule wall rt side before bridge and just in front of bridge. the 2nd lake past bridge has good structure in immediate left corner by trees.
The city stopped the golf course from pumping awhile back so the lake level has come up considerably. Find out when they stock as this will trigger the bass. The bite is iffy at best most of the time. There is lots of bass there because there is lots of cover that is hard to fish. And no the lake isn't oxygen poor, the windy weather keeps it well oxygenated.
So put in your thousand casts and good luck

I went out to Lake Merced about 6 weeks ago.  I wanted to test my fish finder.  I peddled around but did not see much fish on the fishfinder.  I forgot my fishing poles so I didn't fish.  I'm not sure if it is working correctly. 

There is a ramp and easy launch on the north lake.  On the south lake, it's more difficult.

I spoke with a Park and Rec employee there and she said that there's no inspection, no fees, and no park rangers.

This is a city lake.  I would not leave anything on my kayak unattended.

On weekends, you need to get there early for a parking space.

This is a city lake.  I would not leave anything on my kayak unattended.

DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING UNATTENDED & VISIBLE IN YOUR CAR, EITHER.

big fish 8.5

Wow that's Huge Lake Record ?  Here come the AOTYers