San Diego fishermen have long been intrigued by the tall tales of specimen large mouth bass being caught in the waters of Lake Hodges in Escondido, California. A little 'ground intel' gathering can often help a curious anglers connect the dots to Lake Hodges fishing bonanza. In the first two weeks of May 2015, around 100 anglers caught more than 150 largemouth bass, the largest being 6 pounds. Lake Hodges is a long, winding lake in Escondido about 30 miles north of downtown San Diego. Hodges is known for great largemouth bass and crappie fishing.
The lake’s bass population is particularly remarkable, comprised of the best Florida strain gene pool of all the San Diego County lakes. When Diamond Valley Lake was being created in the 1990s, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife chose Hodges to supply the bass to start the population at DVL.
On May 30th of 1985 Gene Dupras caught a 20 pound 4 ounce largemouth bass at Lake Hodges, the only bass over 20 pounds caught in San Diego in a lake that didn’t stock rainbow trout (hint...a known protein source for large bass). As mentioned, Lake Hodges is also known for producing big crappie, on of the strongest fighters in it's weight class, with fish over 2 pounds common during the spring.
Lake Hodges was formed by the completion of the Hodges Dam in 1918. The reservoir is fed by San Dieguito Creek and features one of the largest watersheds of all the local reservoirs. The City of San Diego purchased Lake Hodges in 1925 and continues to operate it today.
Lake Hodges is open seasonally from February through October on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The gates open a half hour before sunrise and lock at sunset.
Unfortunately, stand-Up paddleboards are not permitted at any time.
Windsurfing is allowed during the regular recreation schedule on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Boardsailing recreation at Hodges will reflect several changes since it was last offered in 2008 please see Private Boats and Watercraft for current rules and regulations.
Maximum speed limit is 35 mph.
Hodges's concession is operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Co. Concession Phone: (760) 432-2023 (only answered when open for business). They operate on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday schedule.
For information on trails please check the San Dieguito River Park website.
The lake’s bass population is particularly remarkable, comprised of the best Florida strain gene pool of all the San Diego County lakes. When Diamond Valley Lake was being created in the 1990s, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife chose Hodges to supply the bass to start the population at DVL.
On May 30th of 1985 Gene Dupras caught a 20 pound 4 ounce largemouth bass at Lake Hodges, the only bass over 20 pounds caught in San Diego in a lake that didn’t stock rainbow trout (hint...a known protein source for large bass). As mentioned, Lake Hodges is also known for producing big crappie, on of the strongest fighters in it's weight class, with fish over 2 pounds common during the spring.
Lake Hodges was formed by the completion of the Hodges Dam in 1918. The reservoir is fed by San Dieguito Creek and features one of the largest watersheds of all the local reservoirs. The City of San Diego purchased Lake Hodges in 1925 and continues to operate it today.
Lake Hodges is open seasonally from February through October on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The gates open a half hour before sunrise and lock at sunset.
Unfortunately, stand-Up paddleboards are not permitted at any time.
Windsurfing is allowed during the regular recreation schedule on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Boardsailing recreation at Hodges will reflect several changes since it was last offered in 2008 please see Private Boats and Watercraft for current rules and regulations.
Maximum speed limit is 35 mph.
Hodges's concession is operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Co. Concession Phone: (760) 432-2023 (only answered when open for business). They operate on a Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday schedule.
For information on trails please check the San Dieguito River Park website.
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