Hayward is surrounded by East Bay Regional Park District fishing water, and the news is better than most parents realize: two of the closest fishing spots don't require the EBRPD District Fishing Permit that most other park lakes charge. Jordan Pond at Garin Regional Park is right in the Hayward Hills with bass, bluegill, and catfish — no permit, just a California state fishing license for adults 16 and older. Don Castro's reservoir on the Hayward-Castro Valley border is the same story. And if you're willing to drive 15 miles to Pleasanton, Shadow Cliffs stocks trout weekly and adds a swim beach for the rest of the family. Here's what's within reach near Hayward.
1. Jordan Pond at Garin Regional Park (Hayward)
Location: 1320 Garin Ave, Hayward, CA 94541
Hayward👶 Best for all ages💲 $🚗 3.4 mi
The EBRPD fishing pond that waives the permit — Jordan Pond at Garin is Hayward's closest family fishing spot: Jordan Pond inside Garin Regional Park doesn't charge the EBRPD District Fishing Permit most other park district lakes require. At 3.5 acres, it holds largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish. The Lions Club pier handles beginner anglers well. CA state license for 16+; parking fee applies. 3.4 miles from central Hayward.
Good to know: fishing, trails, picnic area, restrooms.
Parent tip: Rangers at the Barn Visitor Center track the current fish activity at Jordan Pond — stop in before heading to the water. The catfish bite is often best in the afternoon on warm days.
For current hours and seasonal closures, see the official Jordan Pond at Garin Regional Park page.
2. Don Castro Regional Recreation Area (Hayward)
Location: 22400 Woodroe Ave, Hayward, CA 94541
Hayward👶 Best for all ages💲 $🚗 2.1 mi
The Hayward-area park where fishing and swimming happen in the same afternoon: Don Castro Regional Recreation Area has year-round fishing (no EBRPD District Permit) alongside a seasonal chlorinated swim lagoon with sandy beach and lifeguard. The reservoir's shoreline wildlife — turtles, frogs, ducks, raccoons, deer — is unusually active for an urban setting. 2.1 miles from central Hayward. CA state fishing license for 16+; entry fees apply for both areas.
Good to know: fishing, swimming, trails, picnic area, restrooms.
Parent tip: Pair a morning fishing session with the afternoon swim lagoon for a natural two-part day — the lagoon has a bathhouse with showers that makes the transition easy. Bring cash for the swim lagoon admission.
3. Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area (Pleasanton)
For a family coming from Hayward, the drive clocks in at about 22 min without traffic — an easy add-on if you're already headed toward Pleasanton.
Location: 2500 Stanley Blvd, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Shadow Cliffs stocks weekly — the most reliable fishing lake within reach of Hayward: The 80-acre former quarry lake at Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton receives weekly trout and catfish stocking, with bluegill and black bass also present. Accessible fishing pier, seasonal swim beach with lifeguard, and kayak/paddleboat rentals. EBRPD District Permit required plus CA state fishing license for 16+. Entry fees apply. 15 miles east of central Hayward.
Good to know: fishing, swimming, boat rental, picnic area, restrooms, trails.
Parent tip: Visit within a few days of a fresh stocking for the best bite — the EBRPD Angler's Edge page posts current stocking schedules. The swim beach runs Memorial Day through Labor Day with lifeguards, turning a fishing morning into a full-day family outing.
Hours and amenities shift with the season — confirm today's on the Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area city page.
4. Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area (Fremont)
Heading out of Hayward, budget about 16 min on the road — short enough for a spontaneous weekday trip.
Location: 2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont, CA 94536
Fremont's Quarry Lakes is 11 miles south — two big stocked lakes with accessible pier and summer swim beach: Quarry Lakes packs rainbow trout, black bass, carp, and catfish into 100-acre and 50-acre lakes with a wheelchair-accessible pier built for beginner anglers. Summer adds a swim beach, boat ramp, and trail network. EBRPD District Permit and CA fishing license for 16+ required. Entry fees apply. Park opens 6am; fills fast on summer weekends.
Good to know: fishing, swimming, trails, picnic area, restrooms.
Parent tip: Summer weekend parking fills fast — arrive at 6am or wait until after 2pm when some families leave early. If you're coming for fishing, the early morning bite is best before the swim beach traffic builds.
Planning a specific day? Check the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area status page for closures first.
5. Lake Elizabeth — Fremont Central Park (Fremont)
For Hayward families, plan about 16 min each way — Fremont is easy to navigate once you're there.
Location: 40000 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Fremont, CA 94538
Free urban fishing in Fremont's Central Park — no entry fee, no District Permit, and the splash pad is 200 feet away: Lake Elizabeth is an 80-acre lake stocked with trout and catfish. No entry fee, no EBRPD District Permit. CA state license for 16+ only. Always Dream splash pad, playgrounds, and lake loop for non-fishing family members. 11 miles from Hayward.
Good to know: fishing, playground, splash pad, trails, picnic area, restrooms, dog park.
Parent tip: Lake Elizabeth gets busy with recreational users — joggers, cyclists, dog walkers — from about 9am on weekend mornings. For the best fishing and most space, arrive before 8am or plan an evening session.
How we picked these
We selected these fishing spots based on family accessibility (pier or easy shore access), stocking frequency, permit requirements, facilities, and proximity to Hayward. California fishing license required for anglers 16+; EBRPD District Fishing Permit noted where applicable. No paid placements.Planning your visit
Winter and spring (October through April) are peak trout season at stocked lakes. Year-round fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill is available at all locations. Early morning sessions (before 10am) are most productive and avoid the midday heat. District Fishing Permits can be purchased at park entrance kiosks. Jordan Pond and Don Castro waive the District Permit. CA fishing license required for anglers 16+ at all locations. For more family events near Hayward, see the Hayward events page.For more kids' events near Hayward this week, see the Hayward events page.
Hayward Fishing Spots — Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fishing spots for kids near Hayward, CA?
Our 2026 guide picks 5 standout fishing spots within about 20 miles of Hayward. The top picks include Jordan Pond at Garin Regional Park, Don Castro Regional Recreation Area and Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area — each chosen for kid-friendly layout, parent reviews, and how well it holds up on a weekend visit.
Which fishing spots near Hayward are free?
1 of the 5 fishing spots in this guide are free to visit, including Lake Elizabeth — Fremont Central Park. The rest charge admission — check the individual cards above for prices.
What is the closest fishing spot to Hayward?
Don Castro Regional Recreation Area is the closest pick at about 2.1 miles from Hayward. It's the easiest one to fit into a weekday afternoon — short drive, low commitment, easy to leave early if the kids melt down.