Most people are well aware of the fact that San Diego has some of the best saltwater fishing around. What some people don't know is that this area is also home to some seriously good freshwater fishing. In fact, if you enjoy fishing and will be visiting the San Diego area, we can't recommend enough that you visit some of the San Diego lakes to check out the awesome fishing opportunities. Whether you're looking to catch a catfish or some bass, there is an excellent lake just waiting for you to toss in a line.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know before visiting San Diego lakes. Read on, my friend, and soon enough you will be 100% prepared for the ultimate San Diego fishing trip.
San Diego Lakes: Know Before You Go
Let's begin by talking about the ins and outs of visiting and fishing in San Diego lakes. These are the things you absolutely want to know before you go, in order to avoid disappointment.No Swimming
While there are quite a few freshwater lakes in the San Diego area, none of them allow swimming. According to the city, this is for health and safety reasons.Licensing
Fishing licenses are required to do any type of fishing in the San Diego area. These vary in price and term length, but fortunately, none are too terribly expensive. You can learn about fishing license fees and where to purchase your license here.Take (or Rent) a Boat
While many lakes have pretty good shoreline fishing opportunities, it's generally much better to be able to move from one fishing spot to another. Many (but not all) San Diego lakes do allow boats for this purpose.
We recommend checking on the rules at the lakes you plan to visit and arriving prepared to take to the water, if it is allowed. This might mean you bring a water vessel of your own, or you might choose to rent one.
Best Fishing in San Diego
Now that you know what to expect while fishing in San Diego lakes, let's discuss where you should go to do that fishing.
As mentioned before, there are quite a few excellent freshwater lakes in the San Diego area. While the vast majority offer good fishing, there are some that stand out from the rest. In this section, we will talk about those standout lakes and what makes them a good choice for fishing while in San Diego.
Lake Cuyamaca
The only mountain lake in San Diego, Lake Cuyamaca is an absolutely beautiful place to visit. Although the lake is small, the backdrop is anything but—and neither are the trout found here.
This lake has good shoreline fishing opportunities, which leads many to use it for fly-fishing purposes. That said, boats are allowed and often preferred.
You can expect to find any or all of the following fish in Lake Cuyamaca:
- Rainbow trout
- Sturgeon
- Smallmouth bass
- Crappie
- Bluegill
This lake is closest to our three El Cajon resorts: Circle RV Resort, Oak Creek RV Resort, and Vacationer RV Park.
Dixon Lake
Thanks to the record-setting 25.1-pound largemouth bass caught here, you may already know about Dixon Lake. This lovely body of water makes itself at home just a bit northeast of the town of Escondido and is clearly a wonderful place to do some bass fishing.
It should be noted that private boats and other vessels are not allowed in this lake; therefore, you will have to fish from the shore. However, this shouldn't keep you from catching some of the lake's larger-than-average bass, as well as the other fish found here.
You can expect to find any or all of the following fish in Dixon Lake:
- Largemouth bass
- Rainbow trout
- Catfish
- Panfish
This lake is closest to our Escondido RV Resort.
Lower Otay Reservoir
Known as the area's Bassmaster tournament lake, Lower Otay Reservoir is where the best bass fishermen like to gather. As you might have guessed, the bass fishing here is top-notch, and the catfishing isn't too shabby either, with some weighing in at over 100 lbs!
Boats and other vessels are allowed on this lake. However, you will have to pay a fee to launch, so be prepared for that.
You can expect to find any or all of the following fish in Lower Otay Reservoir:
- Crappie
- Catfish
- Bullhead carp
- Largemouth bass
- Sunfish
This reservoir is closest to our three El Cajon resorts: Circle RV Resort, Oak Creek RV Resort, and Vacationer RV Park.
Lake Jennings
Looking for even more enormous catfish? Look no further than Lake Jennings. This large, 85-acre body of water is situated between El Cajon and Lakeside, and boasts huge catfish and bigger-than-average rainbow trout.
It's important to note that Lake Jennings only allows fishing and boating on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. That said, the fishing here is worth waiting for.
You can expect to find any or all of the following fish in Lake Jennings:
- Blue catfish
- Rainbow trout
- Largemouth bass
- Bluegill
- Wiper
This lake is closest to our three El Cajon resorts: Circle RV Resort, Oak Creek RV Resort, and Vacationer RV Park.
Lake Miramar
Considering it's located in San Diego proper, one might not expect much from Lake Miramar. That said, this body of water is home to some darn good fishing and the subject of some pretty crazy urban legends. This is where a 21-pound bass was found to have a lead diving weight in its stomach. It's also where someone once tried to claim a dead 20-pound bass as a record-breaking catch.
This lake has an awesome path around its perimeter, making it an ideal place to walk, jog, ride bikes, or rollerblade. Some boats are allowed, and rentals are sometimes available.
You can expect to find any or all of the following fish in Lake Miramar:
- Crappie
- Blue catfish
- Bluegill
- Bullhead
- Carp
- Channel catfish
- Largemouth bass
- Rainbow trout
- Redear sunfish
This lake is closest to our San Diego RV Resort.
Lake Hodges
Want a lake that is near our Escondido RV Resort? Look no more! Lake Hodges is the perfect place for boating, fishing, or a barbecue.
This beautiful lake is open for fishing and boating on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 30 minutes before sunrise until the sun goes down. Rental boats are available and private boats are allowed.
You can expect to find any or all of the following fish in Lake Hodges:
- Channel Catfish
- Rainbow Trout
- Largemouth Bass
- Black Crappie
- Blue Catfish
- Bluegill
- Redear Sunfish
- Green Sunfish
- White Crappie
- Golden Shiner