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Hagemann Ranch Trout Farm
Category: Active Life Parks Parks [Edit]
Highway 11/2 mile west of Hwy 12 intersection
Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 876-3217
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
4 reviews for Hagemann Ranch Trout Farm
4 reviews in English
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Review from Luis A.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2011
After a weekend of not catching fish in other places nearby we were recommended this place by a chance camping acquaintance.
My three kids and I were not disappointed. Although I had a pole and tackle I opted to rent theirs. They charge $2.00 to use your own poles or $3.50 for theirs. I rented theirs because the poles were already set up the way they knew was best, and we had horrible tangle luck with the poles we had been using.
We had no problems with their gear or with catching fish. My 3 kids lit up with delight every time their bobber sunk down and they got to reel in a fish. Having said that, the "no catch and release policy" means that you have to keep and pay for whatever you catch, which we found usually meant small 9-10 inch fishes. However I think the policy makes sense since the fish we caught would otherwise have probably died after the hook was removed.
Quick Tip: Use a smaller hook with the full worm. Be patient and just watch.
I found that if I used the full worm the little fishes would eat at it and not get caught and eventually a bigger fish, for us 11", will eventually eat the rest with the hook. You could also try using a larger hook to space out the time a bit more as well.
So ultimately the visit was worth the $55 I spent for the 2 poles, worms, 8 fish (two each) we caught and were cleaned for us by the professional and pleasant enough staff, and the 1.5 hours we spent there. If we go back I might bring a barbecue to cook and eat the fish there as well.
Bonus: The kids loved bull frog hunting and the staff never said anything to us, although there is a sign that says no frog catching. I think they may be missing another revenue opportunity there... frog legs anyone?
The 5-star review is meant for what it is. You will catch fish and I think what you pay is fair for the service and the location. It is a perfect stop on your way to or from a camping or Russian River stay. -
Review from Irene C.
San Mateo, CA
5/2/2008
If you're looking for something to do while you're in bodega bay, you can try coming to this small trout pond. It is easy to miss when you're on the highway, but if you're driving from Petaluma, it'll be on your right. You have to look for the sign and the little dirt road that takes you there.
I came here during labor day weekend last year and the weather was nice, we went to the tiny shack near the parking lot (with porto johns) we rented fishing rods and bought a little container of live worms as bait. You walk down to the tiny lake, with a wooden little dock that extends into the pond. Most of the area around the pond is pretty dusty and dry, you probably want to bring something to sit on, def bring sun block and a hat, not much shade, theres like one picnic table with a bbq grill, and tons of drinks to keep you hydrated.
Lots of families here bring children. You gotta be patient, the fish (mostly rainbow trout) are pretty smart, they don't just bite b/c they want to eat since everyone is throwing crap into the lake, some people (like us) left empty handed with a tan, and some people (the kids) left with like 4 fish within a couple hours, most of the fish I saw caught this day were pretty small like 8 inches? Pretty hit or miss I guess. But whats really fun is that there are TONS of tiny froggies and dragon flies everywhere. One of the rules are that you can't catch and release, and you cannot catch the frogs. They have workers watching here and there so I wouldn't take my chances!!
I think I had most fun not catching fish, but playing around with the froggies. They're so cute!!!
Would I come here again?? probably not, unless I was dying for something to do.... it day was kind of uneventful and boring... but kids love it!
Winter Schedule
October - November
April - May
Weekends Only
9am to 4pm
Summer Schedule
June - September
Thursday thru Monday 9am to 4pm
Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
go to website for prices
POLE RENTALS
$4.50
$2.00 own poleListed in: My Outdoorsey side... yes. i…
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Review from Paul A.
Petaluma, CA
9/10/2010
Good place to catch some trout with the kids. Don't expect more than 12-14" though. There is no longer a catch and release so you pay for ALL fish caught even the 6-inchers which can add up quickly. Otherwise a nice place to kick back and relax and let the kids catch some fish.
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Review from cellmx c.
Rohnert Park, CA
7/30/2011
me and my family visit this place and was fun , but very expensive ! the staff was friendly and helpful, you will not catch a trout more than 12 inches i paid a total of 73.50 i think is little over priced , nice place but you can take your family somewhere alse with that budget .
