The 11 Best Fishing Lakes in San Diego

Discover the best fishing lakes in San Diego! From freshwater lakes to saltwater bays and inlets, this guide will help you find the perfect spot for your next fishing adventure. Learn about the top spots for bass, trout, and other fish species, and get the best tips for a successful fishing trip.

Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings is a man-made lake in Lakeside, San Diego. It provides anglers with a variety of opportunities as it covers a vast area of more than 200 acres.

Types of fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, White Bass, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp, and Crappie
Types of fishing: Shore, boat and float tube fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Ramada El Cajon, La Mesa and Days Inn San Diego
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: San Diego Fly Fishing Outfitters, 10 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Catch and release only, limit of 5 bass a day, limit of 15 sunfish a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, camping and picnic areas, fishing pier and store
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Shell Gas Station, 5 miles away

San Vicente Reservoir

San Vicente Reservoir is a large reservoir located in the hills just northeast of San Diego. It covers an area of approximately 2,000 acres.

Types of fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Carp, and Crappie
Types of fishing: Shore, boat and float tube fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Ramada El Cajon, La Mesa and Days Inn San Diego
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: Bass Pro Shops, 16 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: No live bait, limit of 5 bass a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, camping and picnic areas, fishing pier, store and horseback riding trails
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Chevron Gas Station, 14 miles away

Lake Murray

Lake Murray is located in the La Mesa area of San Diego. It covers more than 350 acres and is a popular destination for anglers.

Types of fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp, and Crappie
Types of fishing: Shore, boat and float tube fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Comfort Suites San Diego, Days Inn La Mesa, and Crowne Plaza San Diego
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: San Diego Fly Fishing Outfitters, 8 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Catch and release only, limit of 5 bass a day, limit of 15 sunfish a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, camping and picnic areas, fishing pier and store
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Chevron Gas Station, 5 miles away

Lake Henshaw

Lake Henshaw is a natural lake located in the Palomar Mountains of San Diego County. It covers an area of about 560 acres and is a popular destination for anglers.

Types of fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp, and Crappie
Types of fishing: Shore, boat and float tube fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Ramada El Cajon, La Mesa and Days Inn San Diego
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: Naturas Pescador Fishing & Tackle, 50 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Catch and release only, limit of 5 bass a day, limit of 15 sunfish a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, camping and picnic areas, fishing pier and store
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Chevron Gas Station, 40 miles away

Lindo Lake

Lindo Lake is a shallow and highly productive lake located near San Diego. It covers an area of about 100 acres and is a popular destination for anglers.

Types of fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp, and Crappie
Types of fishing: Shore, boat and float tube fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Ramada El Cajon, La Mesa and Days Inn San Diego
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: Fisherman’s Warehouse, 10 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Catch and release only, limit of 5 bass a day, limit of 15 sunfish a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, camping and picnic areas, fishing pier and store
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Shell Gas Station, 5 miles away

Barrett Lake

Barrett Lake is a man-made lake in East County San Diego that covers an area of approximately 200 acres.

Types of fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp, and Crappie
Types of fishing: Shore, boat and float tube fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Ramada El Cajon, La Mesa and Days Inn San Diego
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: Fisherman’s Warehouse, 12 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Catch and release only, limit of 5 bass a day, limit of 15 sunfish a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, camping and picnic areas, fishing pier and store
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Chevron Gas Station, 10 miles away

Cuyamaca Lake

Cuyamaca Lake is a large lake located in the Cuyamaca Mountains in East County San Diego. It covers an area of more than 900 acres.

Types of fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp, and Crappie
Types of fishing: Shore, boat and float tube fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Ramada El Cajon, La Mesa and Days Inn San Diego
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: Fisherman’s Warehouse, 25 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Catch and release only, limit of 5 bass a day, limit of 15 sunfish a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, camping and picnic areas, fishing pier and store
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Chevron Gas Station, 20 miles away

San Diego Bay

San Diego Bay is a large body of water located in the heart of San Diego. It covers an area of more than 2,500 acres and is a popular destination for anglers.

Types of fish: Halibut, Striped Bass, White Seabass, Corvina, Sharks, Barracuda, and Tuna
Types of fishing: Shore and boat fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Bahia Resort Hotel, Manchester Grand Hyatt, and Coronado Island Marriott Resort
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: Fisherman’s Landing, 5 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Catch and release only, limit of 10 fish a day, limit of 2 sharks a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, fishing pier and store
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Shell Gas Station, 3 miles away

Otay Lake

Otay Lake is a man-made lake located east of San Diego. It covers an area of about 900 acres and is a popular destination for anglers.

Types of fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp, and Crappie
Types of fishing: Shore, boat and float tube fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Ramada El Cajon, La Mesa and Days Inn San Diego
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: Fisherman’s Warehouse, 15 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Catch and release only, limit of 5 bass a day, limit of 15 sunfish a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, camping and picnic areas, fishing pier and store
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Chevron Gas Station, 10 miles away

Sweetwater Reservoir

Sweetwater Reservoir is an artificial lake located east of San Diego. It covers an area of more than 500 acres and is a popular destination for anglers.

Types of fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp, and Crappie
Types of fishing: Shore, boat and float tube fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Ramada El Cajon, La Mesa and Days Inn San Diego
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: Fisherman’s Warehouse, 8 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Catch and release only, limit of 5 bass a day, limit of 15 sunfish a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, camping and picnic areas, fishing pier and store
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Shell Gas Station, 5 miles away

Diamond Valley Lake

Diamond Valley Lake is located in the hills just northeast of San Diego. It covers an area of approximately 3,000 acres and is a popular destination for anglers.

Types of fish: Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, White Bass, Bluegill, Sunfish, Carp, and Crappie
Types of fishing: Shore, boat and float tube fishing
Fishing equipment rental: Boats, rods, tackle and bait
Fishing guide service: Available
Closest hotels to this lake: Ramada El Cajon, La Mesa and Days Inn San Diego
Nearest fishing store and how far away it is: Bass Pro Shops, 16 miles away
Basic fishing regulations: Limit of 5 bass a day, limit of 15 sunfish a day
Amenities of the lake: Boat rentals, camping and picnic areas, fishing pier, store and horseback riding trails
Nearest gas station and how far away it is: Chevron Gas Station, 15 miles away

Find Good Fishing Spots in San Diego and Other Nearby Lakes on The Map

Welcome to the San Diego area! If you’re looking for great fishing spots, you’ve come to the right place. San Diego has plenty of lakes and other spots to cast a line. To help you get started, we have a Google Map below that shows some of the best fishing locations in the area. Feel free to explore and find your perfect spot. With so many lakes and other great fishing locations, there’s something for everyone in San Diego. So take a look and start planning your next fishing trip!

Check the Weather Forecast for Your Next Fishing Trip to San Diego

San Diego offers sport fishing enthusiasts mild, sunny weather all year round. Temperatures are usually in the mid-60s in the winter and in the mid-70s in the summer. There is usually very little rain throughout the year, making San Diego a popular fishing destination. The ocean temperature is fairly mild, ranging from the upper-50s to the upper-70s, depending on the season. During the summer months, the water can be quite warm, making it a great spot for fishing.