Between Stockton And San Francisco Is An Artificial Lake With Bank Fishing, Wildlife, And A Scenic Wetland Trail

There's a lot to see in the 80 miles between Stockton and the San Francisco Bay Area. The drive takes travelers through a surprisingly diverse stretch of Northern California, from sprawling waterways and agricultural land to the rolling hills and vineyards around Livermore. Clifton Court Forebay is another scenic spot near the route to San Francisco, but unlike much of the surrounding landscape, it's completely artificial.

Located 40 minutes west of Stockton, Clifton Court Forebay was constructed between 1967 and 1969, not as a lake for recreation, but as a storage reservoir for water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta before it is pumped into the California Aqueduct. But soon after being completed, California's Department of Fish and Game opened the reservoir to "limited hunting and fishing," according to a California State Water Project document from 1971.

Now, the artificial lake is a low-key place to spend time without large crowds. Anglers often cast a line along its banks in hopes of catching striped bass or bluegill. Fishing is only allowed on the shoreline, and visitors 16 and over will need a valid California sport fishing license. A past visitor on Google Maps also noted that there are no restroom facilities at Clifton Court Forebay. While that may be a drawback for some, the lack of amenities helps keep a visit there inexpensive. Another Google Maps reviewer wrote, "[You] don't pay anything to fish and it's open which makes it cheap to go fishing and get the [kids] out there to have fun."

You don't need to be an angler to enjoy Clifton Court Forebay, though. A paved levee road runs around most of the reservoir, allowing visitors to take in views across the water. Although the route isn't a complete loop, the trek is about 16 miles long. However, finishing the whole thing isn't required, especially if you're stopping to watch for wildlife in the area.

Since the reservoir is surrounded by a mix of wetlands similar to those found elsewhere in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the area lends itself to birdwatching. You may spot birds of prey like resident bald eagles overhead, while the water attracts gulls and other species. The wetlands also provide a habitat for native Northwestern Pond Turtles, which are considered a Proposed Threatened species, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. A visitor on Google Maps even said they spotted an otter at the reservoir, writing, "Watched an Otter [catching] fish. We didn't catch any."

Drivers can get to Clifton Court Forebay from Stockton, which has its own peaceful lake park for fishing and paddling, via California State Route 4 to Byron Highway. Even if you're only planning to spend a couple of hours there, arriving with everything you need is a good idea. The levee has little to no shade, so pack plenty of water and sun protection. And with strong winds often ripping through the area, bring an extra layer of clothing for comfort. From Clifton Court Forebay, travelers can continue west toward San Francisco, where many iconic sights can be explored on foot.