San Diego Area Fishing

[Troy85]

So I'll be in San Diego for a few days in the middle of January.  I was wondering if anyone could give me a couple Lakes near there that have decent bank fishing opportunities for Bass?  I'll have a rental car, so I'll be able to drive outside of the city.

 

Troy

[RB 77]

1 hour ago, Troy1985s said:

So I'll be in San Diego for a few days in the middle of January.  I was wondering if anyone could give me a couple Lakes near there that have decent bank fishing opportunities for Bass?  I'll have a rental car, so I'll be able to drive outside of the city.

 

Troy

 

Hey there, I'm a born and raised Native San Diegan and currently reside here. There are several reservoirs to choose from including El Capitan, San Vicente, Jennings, Etc. Look here: https://sdfish.com/lakes/ and here: https://www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/fishbulletin

 

Also if you are open and interested our two large salt water bays can have exceptional fishing this time of year for salt water bass with a huge amount of shore access. Look here: https://sdfish.com/bay-fishing/

 

Cheers and good luck!

[WRB]

What type of tackle do you plan to use?

January in San Deigo area can be pre spawn or late winter to pre spawn transition meaning the bass are still deep moving up into 15' to 25' of water with a few shallow water bass. Non -Resident fishing license is required so look into that. Some SD area lakes are still closed in Jan.

RB 77 being located in SD can give you a more up to date fish report.

Dixon, El Capitan, Hodges, Otay, Miramar, Morena, Murry, Poway, San Vicente,  and Wolhford are all considered San Deigo area lakes with bass fishing.

Tom

[Troy85]

Thanks for the info.  I will check those links and look into these lakes.  I may give the salt water bass a try, never caught one before.  If I went for the Salt Water bass, would it be worth renting a boat?  My wife is Navy Reserve and we will be staying on base.  Looks like they boat rentals available just wondering if its worth it, or would I be fine saving my money and fishing from the shore?

 

 

 

As far as Tackle, I was just planning on buying a spinning combo kit from a local sporting goods store and getting a few basic lures.

 

 

 

 

[RB 77]

If you are up for the salt water fishing I would stick with that. The spinning outfit should be just fine. 10 lb test w/ 1/4 oz & 3/8 oz "shad heads" with swimbaits (3" & 4" paddle tails) and Grubs. The boat would be advantageous more so to explore the bays rather than to reach fish holding areas as fish will hold tight to shore in various cover year round. Target rip rap and eel grass beds for Spotted Bay Bass, Sand Bass and Calico Bass with the swimbaits and grubs. Fan cast heavy cover areas. Try and "tick" the tops of the eel grass beds with your baits. Brown and Green plastics are dynamite colors year round in our bays.

[WRB]

Salt water I would go on a 1/2 or 3/4 day boat out of Point Loma sport fishing, they supply everything you need.

Tom

[waiddog]

I really enjoyed Dixon Lake in Escondido. Not a big lake and not motor boats. we used to rent the tin cans for the day and slay them. Shore fishing is great too. I remember heading there after work one day and getting six from the shore on drop shot. a $5 gate fee was not bad either. 

[BassObsessed]

3 hours ago, waiddog said:

I really enjoyed Dixon Lake in Escondido. Not a big lake and not motor boats. we used to rent the tin cans for the day and slay them. Shore fishing is great too. I remember heading there after work one day and getting six from the shore on drop shot. a $5 gate fee was not bad either. 

And you can say you fished where Dottie came from. I had to stop there while I was in San Diego. Such a small lake to have that 25lb monster .

[BASS302]

One plus about Dixon Lake is a California fishing license is not required:

"Dixon Lake has been granted an Aquaculture Permit by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Therefore, anglers are not required to have a California fishing license while fishing at Dixon Lake.  However, all anglers 8 years and older must purchase a daily lake fishing permit (Adults - $7.00, Youth ages 8-15 and Seniors 60 and better $5.00). A second rod permit can be purchased for an additional $2.00.  Fishing permits are available for purchase at the concession stand near the Ranger Station.  You must have a valid fishing permit with you prior to starting to fish.  All other park rules, fishing regulations and City of Escondido municipal codes will remain in effect and will be enforced by Park Rangers."

 

from https://www.escondido.org/Dixon-Lake-fish-report.aspx

[Troy85]

I drove up and fished Dixon yesterday afternoon.  No bass, but I did pick up 3 rainbow trout.  The trail around the lake is nice and the whole setup of the park was really nice.  Thanks for the info everyone, I had a great time fishing this lake.

[RB 77]

 

On 1/14/2018 at 8:58 AM, Troy1985s said:

I drove up and fished Dixon yesterday afternoon.  No bass, but I did pick up 3 rainbow trout.  The trail around the lake is nice and the whole setup of the park was really nice.  Thanks for the info everyone, I had a great time fishing this lake.

 

Very cool. Congrats on getting out there and getting on some fish.

[Troy85]

Yeah, the park ranger said they stock it with Rainbow Trout during the winter.  That was a nice treat, I don't catch rainbow trout very often.