Bass Fishing Forum - Westernbass.com

I am going to San Diego for the weekend and plan on doing some fishing. What lake is doing the best right now out of the San Diego Lakes? Last time I went out there I made the mistake of fishing Hodges.....not a good lake to fish right now.... It was like fishing in pea soup..not one bite...
If you know of a good lake, is there plenty of shore fishing? I will be pounding the shoreline since I don't have a boat and don't want to pay the ridiculous price to rent one.
Any info would be greatly appreciated,
SH

I am not sure if they are still allowing shore fishing, but San V should be good if they do.

Only at night Just kidding hunter. That lake is closed.
I would look in to Sutherland or Murray but I only live in San Diego. I do not fish here.

Otay Lake, good top water and swimbait bite early, then flip the shady reeds with a Jackall craw bait or Sweet Beaver. Lake Skinner is just North of San Diego, great top water bite early and late, and rip bait bite on the points is good too. You will catch Stripers as well, but they are fun to catch too. Good luck!!

Robert F,
There is a ton of lakes in San Diego. I found out why you don't fish Hodges but can I ask why you don't fish the other ones?

I will look into Otay, Sutherland, Skinner and Murray to see which one has the most accessible shore fishing.
Thanks for the advice guys!
SH

SH, Sutherland closed last week. Go to Murray. Shore friendly. I was told there was good top water a couple of weeks ago.

Another lake closed in San Diego..geez
Ok I will check out Murray online before I go.
Thanks for the advice Robert F. I will let you know how I do. Going to check weather also and make sure it is not supposed to be windy. Will be going this Sunday, hopefully.

SH

Most San Diego lakes close seasonally. Forecast Sunday is for showers. Cool temps. Should get em snappin' have fun!!

Yeah, Sutherland just closed until March or so. El Cap is doing well, as is Otay. Been getting some nice ones on the Punker, but hey, got a dink on it at Hodges on it the second cast last night, a 3#. Have not hit Murray lately but heard it's going off too. Tis the season.

After doing a little research online, I think I will be going to Lower Otay. There is 25miles of shoreline fishing, where Murray only has 3.2. Hmmmmm.... Then again Murray could have a better bite.
I have never been to either one.
Ok, If you could fish only one lake out of Lower Otay and Murray (from shore) which one would you choose and why?

SH

That research is a bit deceiving. Otay is a lot bigger than Murray. At Otay, tules ring the lake and there are openings in the tules to fish. Murray has much more walkable shoreline. If you are fishing from shore, Murray is a better option than Otay.

If you have a pair of waders better...and if you have a float tube, waaay better. Otay would be my choice. TL

Give lake Wolford a call, if it's open it's a good shoreline lake.
Tom

El Cap is by far your best bet. Give us a call at Anglers Marine and we will get you dialed in.

Art 619-449-3474
Anglers Marine San Diego

Thanks for the info!
I ended up going to Lower Otay. I figured that would be a good bet because it has a lot of shore fishing spots. I ended up fishing near where you get your permits from the automated machine/entrance. I fished three different points and little coves. I really like this Lake. Nice structure, clear water, not crowded, etc. I did have a hard time finding bigger fish. I ended up only catching 4 small ones. I was using topwaters and plastics. I think I was just fishing the wrong area. Next time I want to try Harvey's Arm. I think this lake has a lot to offer. I just have to find "the spots" to fish.
Anyone have some general areas that they can recommend for this lake? Since I live in Long Beach, I will not get out there too often, but when I do I want to fish the right spots.