arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

San Diego Lake Fishing in East County

Freshwater lakes that are ideal for all anglers

Inland freshwater fishing for trout, catfish or bluegill at one of San Diego East County's many lakes is another refreshing way to whistle away the day. Water sports and recreational boating have also become popular pastimes on East County’s Lake Murray, Lake Cuyamaca and El Capitan Lake.

Lake Murray

Located within Mission Trails Regional Park, scenic Lake Murray's fishing season runs December through September. Guests can hook a Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie, and trout (trout is stocked in the lake from November through May). The minimum size for bass is 12 inches; catch limits are five for trout, bass and catfish, and 25 for crappie and/or bluegill. Rowboats, motorboats, pedal boats, and canoes are available for rent hourly or daily for fishing and recreational boating; float tubes are allowed within 150 ft. or less from the shore. Private boaters can enjoy a new 2-lane launch ramp and dock; however, personal watercraft (jetskis) are not allowed on Lake Murray.

Lake Cuyamaca

At an elevation of 4,600 ft., Lake Cuyamaca is an active freshwater and fly fishing lake, and the only San Diego lake able to stock trout throughout the year. Located within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, 44,000 pounds of fish stock the lake, including Florida-strain largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, sturgeon, and trout. Guests can also take advantage of Lake Cuyamaca's GPS fishing guide to find the best spots on the lake. Private boats, over 10 ft. in length, may be launched from the lake's private launch. Canoes and kayaks are allowed during summer months only.

El Capitan Reservoir

El Capitan Reservoir, located on the San Diego River outside of Lakeside, is known for bass and crappie, which are regularly caught at the north end of the lake. The lake also has bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, green sunfish, and carp. The minimum size for bass is 15 inches and 10 inches for crappie. Fish limits are five bass, five catfish, 25 crappie and/or bluegill, and no limit on others. Guests should plan to fish from onboard a boat; there is only approximately 4 miles of shoreline accessible without one. El Capitan allows waterskiing, wakeboarding and use of personal watercraft like jetskis on open days from sunrise to sunset, May through October only. El Capitan also allows 3-person personal watercraft to tow skiers in the water ski zone. There is a limit of 40 boats and/or personal watercrafts in the water ski zone at one time.


Ready to begin planning your San Diego fishing trip? Visit our Plan Your Trip section for information on getting here as well as getting around and visitor information services.

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Restaurants

The Best Date Night Downtown!

Osteria Panevino
Valid: Apr 18, 2024 - ongoing

Experience the ultimate date night in downtown San Diego at Osteria Panevino!  Our new couples menu features cheese wheel pastas starting at just $79 per couple plus a delightful appetizer, and a...

Accommodation

Pet Getaway

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 22, 2024 - ongoing

Welcome to Hotel InDogGo. This pawrfect package includes a welcome treat dog bed bowl and parking for the parents. Must bring your own pet to qualify for this deal. We will ask the pet to verify your...

Accommodation

Hotel Deals for AAA/CAA Members

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 22, 2024 - ongoing

IHG® has over 5,500 hotels worldwide, and is pleased to welcome AAA/CAA members with hotel deals and discounts (at participating hotels). In addition to hotel discounts, IHG® Rewards Club...

Events to check out

Event

Fleet Week San Diego 2024

Nov 1 - Nov 11, 2024

Experience one of San Diego’s largest Military events featuring Military Displays, High Tech equipment in the Innovation Zone, Active Navy & Coast Guard Ship Tours, Live Music, Food, and Fun...

Event

San Diego International Auto Show

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 1, 2025

Where the cars are the stars! The San Diego International Auto Show features the widest variety of new vehicles under one roof.

Event

Private Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing

Private Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure includes many attractions in ONE! The finest local wines; delicious farm-to-table food; hidden gems; sightseeing; history; culture; fully guided tour for the...

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish