#18157, "RE: catfishing at night" In response to Reply # 0
Camp and fish in the same spot is a tough one. Most of our lakes don't have camping. You could check in to Del Valle but my long lost recollection is that you have to stop fishing at 10pm. They do have camping.
Coyote has camping and you can fish real close but that lake is not known for catfish. I've seen guys get bullhead there but never cats.
Pinto has camping. Don't know about fishing at night or presence of catfish.
There's always the Delta. Tower Park or any number of places to camp. You might very well get some cats. Camping near Russos is a possibility though don't know the shore fishing options there. Sugar Barge maybe?
If you just want big cats without camping, the places to go are Los Vaqueros or San Pablo. Both have big channel cats. Vaqueros produces 20lb fish just about every week.
Try the big map here to explore around more: http://www.calfishing.com/loc/bigmap.html
#18158, "RE: catfishing at night" In response to Reply # 1
San Antonio lake let's you camp along the water and fish if you want. That lake would be a few hours south of the bay area though. I've heard about catfishing therel, but don't really know anything about it.
#18159, "RE: catfishing at night" In response to Reply # 0
Los Banos Creek res has camping and catfish (and a 1-1.5 hr drive). I tried it with some friends a few times ages ago and we caught a 20lb channel cat off the dam. Not tons of bites, though. Del Valle would probably be great if they actually let you fish.