San Vicente

San Vicente is a deep, steep-sided reservoir on San Vicente Creek, approximately 25 miles northeast of San Diego. See the “What’s New” page for current schedule.
Directions: From Highway 67 go east on Vigilante Road, turn left on Moreno, and follow signs to the entrance. From the entrance it’s about one mile to the concession/launch area.
San Vicente Reservoir Website.

Lake Poway

Nestled in the hills of Poway amid groves of Eucalyptus and characteristic Southern California chaparral, Lake Poway offers fishing, boating, sailing, hiking, camping, picnicking, volleyball, and softball. For your convenience there is also a concession stand with bait, tackle, and State Fishing Licenses. Lake Poway is located in inland San Diego County in the coastal foothills, just four miles east of interstate 15, 5 miles south of the City of Escondido, and southeast of Rancho Bernardo.
Directions: Interstate 15 to Rancho Bernardo Road, travel east 4 miles to Lake Poway Road, turn left and follow park entrance to gate.
Lake Poway Website.

Dixon Lake

Cradled above Escondido next to Daley Ranch, this 70-acre reservoir is open all year round. First it’s stocked with trout, but when it gets to be summer, catfish take over. That’s also when Dixon offers its unique summer night-fishing Wednesdays-Fridays until midnight. Other fin-nians you can catch, depending on the season, are bass, crappie and bluegill. Information: call (760) 839-4680.

Lake Wohlford

The main water supply for the City of Escondido, Lake Wohlford, nestled between Escondido and Valley Center, is a popular resort, offering fishing, camping and trailer hook-ups at Oakvale Park ten months out of the year. Largemouth Bass is the main fish, and some of the largest ever hooked have been taken here. But you can also catch catfish, crappie and bluegill. Information: call (760) 738-4346.

Lake Cuyamaca

The crown jewel of the Back country’s lakes, Cuyamaca at 4,600 feet elevation is so pristine and cool green all year round that you might be fooled into thinking you’re in Northern California. The lake is part of the huge Rancho Cuyamaca State Park, which is worth getting into the car and touring if you get tired of fishing. Because of its elevation, the lake offers both largemouth bass and trout all summer long, although spring is still the best overall time to fish. Stocked with more than 30 tons of trout a year, the lake also offers catfish, crappie and bluegill. Information: call (760) 765-0515.

Lake Hodges

This big, beautiful reservoir stretches from North County Fair, paralleled by the Del Dios Highway, almost up to Rancho Santa Fe. It’s a haven for boats, hikers, anglers– And Bass! The lake is known for its big bass catches. Some of the largest ever caught have been hooked at this lake. You can also occasionally catch the two pound crappie. There are also catfish and bluegill. Information: call (619) 465-3474.

Lake Sutherland

Just outside Ramona, on the road to Julian, sits this small family-oriented lake. While Dad’s fishing, the rest of you can relax under the trees and picnic, or dream. Open for fishing from Friday-Sunday, you can catch catfish, largemouth bass, channel cats and blue catfish, sunfish and bluegill. Some very big catfish and bass have been caught here. Information: call (619) 465-3474.

Lake Henshaw

All can savor the rolling hills and oaks of this reservoir at the foot of Palomar Mountain. Most of the fishing is done from boats, and that mainly consists of trolling for crappie. If you cast your line from the shore, old-timers will tell you the shallow part of the lake offers your best catfishing. Information: call (760) 782-3501.

Doane Pond

Along with Cuyamaca Lake, Doane Pond is the only place in the county where you can fish for trout all summer long. The tiny pond, too small for boats, is at the top of Palomar Mountain, where it is the most popular spot in the state park. Well worth your visit, even if you don’t fish. The pond is stocked several times during the year. Information: call (760) 742-3462.

Article Courtesy of Orange Book