by Holle Abee

Created on: January 09, 2008   Last Updated: December 27, 2009

Among the myriad activities available in San Diego, fishing ranks near the top. The area provides beautiful scenery along with the opportunity for landing some real "hawgs." The ocean, bays, and inlets offer some great saltwater action, but fresh water fishing in the lakes and streams that dot the region can prove to be exciting, too.

FRESH WATER
San Diego county is blessed with several lakes, both natural and man made. Lake Murray, located just a couple of miles off I-8, is home to some monster bass, including many over 10 lbs. and a few over 15 lbs. Trolling crankbaits over the ubiquitous submerged rock piles, ledges, and brush are your best bet for snagging a bruiser bass. Trout fishing in the lake is popular also, with whole schools hanging in the deeper water and the quiet, secluded coves. Nightcrawlers fished two feet beneath a bobber will produce the most strikes. Fish from the shore or rent a boat or canoe on site.

Another lake popular with area anglers is Lake Dixon, located just one mile northeast of Escondido. This tranquil lake, set in the picturesque foothills, has gained fame among anglers for its huge largemouth bass surpassing the 20-lb. mark. One sow weighed in at over 25 lbs.! Despite this, the lake is not heavily fished. For bass, troll along the shore using light line and a Rapala or any large lure resembling a trout, the fish's natural food. Large rainbows, up to 11 lbs., can be hooked using small pieces of nightcrawlers or artificial baits like Panther Martins or Berkley trout worms fished just a few inches below the surface, under a bobber. Troll the coves or fish from shore. Lunker catfish roam the shallows at night and generally hang out in the depths during the day. Chicken livers fished right on the bottom are the preferred bait, but I've found that gizzards remain intact longer and seem to be just as palatable to the fish. Using small red worms or beetle spins around any type of cover will yield catches of bluegill. Fish from shore or rent a boat at the lake for some thrilling angling.

SALTWATER
With all the bays, estuaries, and the Pacific Ocean nearby, saltwater fishing reigns supreme in the San Diego area. Fishermen can enjoy fishing from the piers, in the surf, trolling inshore and offshore, and deep-sea fishing for a huge variety of finned opponents.

Catches from shore or from the piers include small barracuda, bonita, croaker, sharks, stingrays, perch, halibut, sea bass, mackerel, sargo, and corbina. Use 20-lb. line with baits

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