Spring Lake Regional Park

Photo Credit Lori Parmalee.

Spring Lake Kayak, Canoe, SUP & Kayak Fishing Information

Spring Lake is a tranquil paddling getaway.  On a hot summer’s day, there is often barely a ripple on the water. While you’re paddling along picturesque coves and sandy inlets, Spring Lake will take you to the heart of nature, despite its close proximity to the city. You can paddle along the shore, while keeping a lookout for the diverse wildlife in the area, including river otter, deer, bobcats, turtles, beaver and many bird species that call Spring Lake home.

Spring Lake is a small 72 surface acre lake perfect for novice kayakers. It lies within Spring Lake Regional Park, a 320-acre public park, in southeastern Santa Rosa. It is one of Sonoma County's most-visited parks. Spring Lake is a flood control reservoir open to paddling, sailing and fishing. The park also has a spring-fed swimming lagoon, campground, and environmental education center open to the public Wednesdays-Sundays.

Spring Lake is a paddler’s paradise with easy access, great weather, and many sights to see which provides relaxing paddling opportunities perfect for beginners and those wanting to float around and fish. If you are looking  to spend the day on the water with friends and family Spring Lake is the perfect choice.. The lake allows beach launching of kayaks, canoes and SUP boards.

Launching sites are available at the south entrance at 5585 Newanga Avenue, where the campground is located. You can access the Environmental Discovery Center/swimming lagoon/Lakeside Grill/boat rentals at the north entrance, at 393 Violetti Road.

 Fishing is a popular activity at Spring Lake. Large-mouth bass, sunfish and catfish can be caught here year-round. Spring Lake is planted with small trout. The rumor has it, Spring Lake produces trophy-size monster bass. Bass at an estimated 16 to 19 pounds have been caught at Spring Lake by a park ranger which was documented. A fish was caught and reported by Paul Duclos, weighing it at 24 pounds, then released but it wasn’t officially documented. Since then Spring Lake has been inundated by fishermen, especially on weekends. A California fishing license is required for fishermen 16 and older.

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Open: Spring Lake Regional Park is open daily open 7:00 a.m. to sunset. The campground is open daily May through September. October through April the campground is only open on weekends and holidays.

The lake is open year-round for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing. Electric motors are allowed, but gas motors are not. Life jackets must be worn at all times while on the water. The boat ramp, located at the Newanga Avenue entrance, can accommodate craft up to 16 feet long.

Fees: There is a fee to park, for day use and to camp.

Lake Facilities: The lake’s amenities include sandy beaches, as well as a 3-acre lagoon for summer swimming, trails for walking, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding and a 72-acre lake for sailing, SUP boarding, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet. License required. Dogs are not allowed on the swimming lagoon beach.

The 320-acre park also features a 31-site campground, picnic areas with barbecues, a par course, and the Environmental Discovery Center. The Lakeside Grill, a seasonal cafe at the swimming lagoon, features a cook-to-order menu, bistro seating on the beach, wine and beer service, and kayak and paddleboat rentals.

Spring Lake has 200 picnic tables with barbecues throughout the park and five group picnic areas available for reservation at Ph:707 565-2041.

The swimming lagoon features a sandy beach, lawn, picnic tables and barbecues, and is staffed by lifeguards. Inner tubes can be rented at the adjacent Lakeside Grill. Water quality of the spring-fed lagoon is regularly monitored by Sonoma County Health Services. The lagoon can be reached via the Violetti Road entrance. Admission is free, but there is a fee for parking. Restrooms and drinking fountains are provided near the swimming lagoon.