Woodward Reservoir Fishing
Stanislaus County, CDFW Central Region, 2,427 acres.
- 4launches
- 2,427acres
- 210 ftelevation
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Taking a closer look at Woodward Reservoir
In Stanislaus County, Woodward Reservoir is a reservoir managed from the CDFW Central Region. The Fishing Guide gives its surface as 2,427 acres. The entry gives 210 feet of elevation. Oakdale is the nearest incorporated town, about 6 miles away.
Its CDFW species flags are black bass, catfish, sunfish and crappie and hatchery trout. Boaters have 4 mapped launches, 3 of them named. Between 2025-10-19 and 2025-11-02, fish went in on 3 weeks. Amenities on file: fuel and wheelchair access.
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“Offering year-round fishing, Woodward Reservoir features many coves and gentle slopes.”
“Fluctuations in water level can cause shallow areas and some islands.”
“There area many trees, brush and grass around the park.”
“Marina, bait & tackle, store, propane, snack shack, rental paddle boats, rental horses, telephone, and RV sites with hookups.”
“Accessible parking and restrooms.”
Quoted from the CDFW Fishing Guide entry for Woodward Reservoir (source). Checked October 2026.
Access to Woodward Reservoir by boat
- Bayview Boat Ramp Woodward Reservoir7 lanes, 60 trailer spaces, restrooms, Stanislaus County
- Heron Point Boat Rampboat launch, Stanislaus County
- Woodward Reservoir2 lanes, 35 trailer spaces, restrooms, Stanislaus County
- Boat launch, Woodward Reservoirboat launch
Ramps a short drive from Woodward Reservoir
- Orange Blossom BTAFStanislaus River, 7 miles southeast
- Salt Spring Valley ReservoirSalt Spring Reservoir, 13 miles northeast
The launches on Woodward Reservoir are run by Stanislaus County (3).
DBW Boating Facilities, USFS recreation sites and OpenStreetMap slipways, checked October 2026.
Catch options on Woodward Reservoir
CDFW Fishing Guide species flags; CDFW publishes no fuller species list for most waters.
Stocking schedule for Woodward Reservoir
| Species | Size | Program | Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Catchable | Put and Take | January-April & October-December |
CDFW Fish Planting Schedule and the 2026 Provisional Stocking Document. California trout stocking.
Bag limits around Woodward Reservoir
The table below is the full rule set for Woodward Reservoir.
| Species | Daily bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black bass | 5 a day | 12 in minimum | All year |
| Trout | 5 a day | none | All year |
| Striped bass | 2 a day | 18 in minimum | All year except closures in special regulations |
| Sunfish and crappie | 25 a day | none | All year, except closures under district or special regulations |
| Catfish | no limit | none | All year, except closures under special regulations |
| Kokanee and inland salmon | 5 a day | none | All year |
District regulations for Woodward Reservoir: the Valley District.
CDFW 2026 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations, checked October 2026. All California limits.
Woodward Reservoir against nearby lakes
| Lake | Distance | Acres | Elevation (ft) | Launches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodward Reservoir | 2,427 | 210 | 4 | |
| Salt Spring Valley Reservoir | 14 miles northeast | 1 | ||
| Tulloch Lake | 15 miles east | 1,260 | 515 | 4 |
| Modesto Reservoir | 17 miles southeast | 3,800 | 207 | 1 |
| Modesto VFW Park Pond | 19 miles southwest | 0.4 | 54 | 0 |
| New Melones Lake | 21 miles northeast | 12,122 | 1,091 | 6 |
More near Woodward Reservoir
CDFW lakes within a drive of Woodward Reservoir
- Salt Spring Valley Reservoir14 miles northeast
- Tulloch Lake15 miles east
- Modesto Reservoir17 miles southeast
- Modesto VFW Park Pond19 miles southwest
- New Melones Lake21 miles northeast
Bait counters close to Woodward Reservoir
- Creekside Liquor Bait & Tackle, 854 N Yosemite Avebait and tackle shop, Oakdale, 5 miles
- Big 5 Sporting Goods #263sporting goods store, Oakdale, 6 miles
- The Gun Shopbait and tackle shop, Oakdale, 6 miles
- Emil's Liquorbait and tackle shop, Escalon, 8 miles
- Crosby E Tobacconist & Flyfishing Outfitter Inc.fly shop, Modesto, 13 miles
- D & C Bait and Tackle Storebait and tackle shop, Modesto, 13 miles
License sellers around Woodward Reservoir
- River Road General Storelicense agent, 5 miles
- Oakdale Food & Liquorlicense agent, 6 miles
- Strand Ace Hardwarelicense agent, 8 miles
Where to stay near Woodward Reservoir
- Copperopolis15 miles
- Modesto17 miles
- Manteca20 miles
County guides covering Woodward Reservoir
- Stanislaus Countyseat: Modesto
Spinning, baitcasting and a weigh grip
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Short answers on Woodward Reservoir
How far is Woodward Reservoir from town?
Stanislaus County, about 6 miles from Oakdale.
How big a water is Woodward Reservoir?
2,427 acres of surface.
What launch serves Woodward Reservoir?
4 launches on record, including Woodward Reservoir.
Which species does CDFW list for Woodward Reservoir?
CDFW notes black bass, catfish, sunfish and crappie and hatchery trout.
What does CDFW plant in Woodward Reservoir?
Plants came on 3 weeks, most recently 2025-11-02.
Does Woodward Reservoir have its own regulations?
Nothing special is listed.
What license do anglers at Woodward Reservoir buy?
From 16 up, a license; residents pay $64.54 a year.
Is Woodward Reservoir drawn down right now?
There is no live gauge for it.
Where is the nearest tackle to Woodward Reservoir?
Try Creekside Liquor Bait & Tackle, roughly 5 miles off.
Set aside a day for Woodward Reservoir
Check limits and fees before you load up.