Lake Jennings is an East County recreation gem providing visitors with the opportunity to fish, camp, hike, bird watch and picnic.

Fishing

Lake Jennings is stocked with trout almost every week from mid-October through early April and with catfish during the summer months. The lake is also home to large-mouth bass, red-ear sunfish and bluegill, as well as channel and blue catfish.

Fishing is only available to registered campers Monday through Thursday and limited to the shoreline area immediately adjacent to the campground facility. The lake opens to the general public for fishing Friday through Sunday.

Night Fishing

During the Summer, Lake Jennings stays open late on Fridays and Saturdays for night fishing. The lake is stocked periodically in the summer with channel catfish. And there are lots of holdovers, particularly some giant blue catfish that might make things interesting if your line starts peeling off your reel.

Fishing Permits

Lake Jennings fishing permits and California State fishing licenses are required prior to fishing and can be purchased at the Lake Jennings Bait & Tackle Shop and at the campground entrance station.

Boat Rentals

Motor boats as well as rowboats are available for rental. All motor boats are equipped with a Yamaha 4 or 6 horsepower 4-stroke motor and can seat up to 5 people, with life vests and seat cushions provided. For those looking to explore the lake without fishing, 4 person paddle boats are available.

Camping

Lake Jennings Park campers are just a few steps from some of great fresh water fishing, picnicking and hiking. The campground boasts 35 full-hookup sites (water, electricity and sewer), 35 partial-hookup sites (electricity and water), and 26 non-hookup tent sites.

Activities for the Kids

In addition to the paddle boats, kids can enjoy ladder golf, horseshoes, air hockey, foosball, and a covered playground available with a swing set and other play structures for the kids. Make sure to ask about the campground scavenger hunt when you check in.

More Outdoor Lake Jennings Activities

In addition to fishing and camping, Lake Jennings offers a variety of outdoor activities for the whole family.

Picnicking

Enjoy one of Lake Jennings' many picnicking spots, located around the lake in scenic areas such as Cloister Cove, Siesta Point, Hermit Cove, and Eagle Point. A few have barbecue grills while others are more suited to a cold lunch.

The picnic areas are open during normal lake operating hours of Friday through Sunday. Cost to access the lake for picnicking includes your parking pass.

Bird Watching

Bird watchers are drawn to Lake Jennings because of the variety of birds from chaparral and aquatic habitats that can be seen. Over 60 birds can be seen throughout the year including Loons and Grebes, Cormorants, Bitterns and Herons, Swans, Geese and Ducks, American Vultures, Kites, Eagles and Hawks, Falcons, and more.

Hiking

There are a variety of hiking trails at Lake Jennings. The hike around the lake is a relatively flat 5.5 miles, meandering around the back coves. On the north side of the lake, the old "Flume" bench trail goes east approximately 5 miles, high along the ridge of El Monte Valley.

Hiking the perimeter of Lake Jennings is available during normal hours of lake operation Friday through Sunday. Hiking around and through the Campground is available to registered campers seven days a week.

Photos courtesy of Helix Water District.

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For more information visit http://www.lakejennings.org/.