Last stocked
March 15, 2026
Plants on record
5
Species recorded
1
Elevation
5.2 ft
Common questions
- What fish are at El Estero Lake?
- Fishing El Estero Lake is most likely to be for Mixed Trout. All 5 plants on record are Mixed Trout. Mixed Trout was last stocked March 15, 2026. Tule perch (Listed as a wild fish present in the lake's ecosystem, along with Sacramento perch and Sacramento blackfish), Sacramento perch, Sacramento blackfish, and Rainbow Trout (Per CDFW's 2026 Provisional Stocking Plan for this water (a planning document, not a confirmed release)) are recorded here outside the stocking reports.
- When is El Estero Lake stocked?
- Last stocked March 15, 2026. It is stocked 5 times in 2026, most often in January and February.
- How do you get on El Estero Lake?
- Shore fishing is available. The nearest town is Monterey, CA. El Estero city park surrounds the lake with paths, playgrounds, and a skatepark; boats are available to rent. CDFW stocks it regularly with trout, and a fishing license is required. Two bridges connect downtown Monterey to the Oak Grove neighborhood.
- Which lakes near El Estero Lake were stocked more recently?
- Sandy Wool Lake (59.1 mi) was stocked more recently. Sandy Wool Lake is also stocked with Mixed Trout.
Access and facts
- Water type
- community pond
- Nearest town
- Monterey, CA
- Shore access
- Yes
El Estero city park surrounds the lake with paths, playgrounds, and a skatepark; boats are available to rent. CDFW stocks it regularly with trout, and a fishing license is required. Two bridges connect downtown Monterey to the Oak Grove neighborhood.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 23, 2026 , en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 23, 2026 , en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 23, 2026 , en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 23, 2026
How El Estero Lake is stocked
Sandy Wool Lake (59.1 mi) was stocked more recently. Sandy Wool Lake is also stocked with Mixed Trout.
Fish at El Estero Lake
Fishing El Estero Lake is most likely to be for Mixed Trout. All 5 plants on record are Mixed Trout.
Mixed Trout 5 plants
- Plants
- 5 of 5
- Last stocked
- March 15, 2026
Stocking history
| Date | Species | Quantity | Avg. length | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 15, 2026 | Mixed Trout | – | – | report |
| February 22, 2026 | Mixed Trout | – | – | report |
| February 8, 2026 | Mixed Trout | – | – | report |
| January 25, 2026 | Mixed Trout | – | – | report |
| January 4, 2026 | Mixed Trout | – | – | report |
Species found here
Confirmed present independent of the stocking records above, not from a stocking event.
- Tule perch : Listed as a wild fish present in the lake's ecosystem, along with Sacramento perch and Sacramento blackfish. (en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 23, 2026)
- Sacramento perch (en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 23, 2026)
- Sacramento blackfish (en.wikipedia.org, accessed September 23, 2026)
- Rainbow Trout : Per CDFW's 2026 Provisional Stocking Plan for this water (a planning document, not a confirmed release). (nrm.dfg.ca.gov, accessed September 23, 2026)
Species stocked here
Depth-by-season, top lures, and bait notes for each species stocked here are on its own species guide, linked above.