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

Accommodation

Linger Longer Offer

Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle
Valid: Jan 2 - ongoing

One night in San Diego is never enough. Slow your next stay down and savor the little moments with our Linger Longer, Save More offers. This rate includes savings between 15% - 20% off our...

Accommodation

Dana Brew Hop Package

The Dana on Mission Bay
Valid: Jan 2 - ongoing

Our Dana Brew Hop package rewards you for touring the local beer scene. Wrap up your day at Firefly Eatery & Bar and enjoy some amazing sips at sunset!   Dana Brew Hop Package...

Accommodation

Romance Package

Pacific Terrace Hotel
Valid: Jan 2 - ongoing

There's nothing quite like watching the sun disappear into the Pacific while sitting beside that special someone. Looking to infuse even more romance into your Pacific Terrace getaway? Take advantage...

Events to check out

Event

Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom!

Jul 4, 2025

The Port of San Diego Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks Show is back, promising another spectacular display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from barges placed...

Event

Comic-Con International: San Diego

Jul 24 - Jul 27, 2025

Comic-Con International is the largest comics and pop culture event in the United States, attracting thousands of artists, celebrities and fans of comic books, movie memorabilia and all things related...

Event

Bike the Bay

Aug 24, 2025

San Diego's finest annual cycling event across the Coronado Bridge and around the bay! Ride the bridge, Bike the Bay for the annual ride on Sunday, August 24, 2025! Cruise around San Diego Bay and...

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