Dixon Lake Reservoir, 40 miles north of San Diego, in the north of Escondido, California and offers great fishing for warmwater fish including: Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Rainbow Trout, Catfish, Bluegill. During the winter months, Dixon Lake stocks Rainbow Trout and has ultra-clear water, which is rare for a reservoir.
Dixon Lake offers shoreline and boat (rental only) fishing as well as open to the public at pre-marked spots on docks.
For current Dixon Lake fishing report please visit: Weekly Fish Report for more information.
Dixon Lake Fishing Rules & Catch Limits
- Trout are catch and take only - no catch and release. Daily permits and catch limits are strictly enforced by Rangers, so make sure you're within the rules and don't risk losing your catch.
- The Bass limit is ONLY 2 BASS (Over 12 Inches) IN POSSESSION EACH DAY.
- 5 Catfish Limit
- Bluegill are limited to 25 of any size
- Trout catching limit is 5. No Catch & Release of Trout.
Dixon Lake Boat Rentals & Rules
- Boats are called in an hour before the park closes. Please note that boats usually sell out quickly each morning after each stock, so get here early to get your shot at a boat.
- There is a ban on private water craft and equipment at this time. Restricted equipment includes: private boats, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders, anchors, and any other equipment that contacts the water.
Boat Rental Fees:
| Boat | Daily | Hourly |
| All Day Motorboat | $40.00 | $25.00 per hour** |
| All Day Rowboat | $20.00 | $13.00 per hour** |
| 1/2 Day Motorboat | $30.00 | $20.00 per hour** |
| 1/2 Day Rowboat | $15.00 | $11.00 per hour** |
Dixon Lake is Known for its Largemouth Bass!
25.1-pound world-record-sized largemouth bass was hooked Here
Dixon Lake Hours
Dixon Lake opens at 6:00 a.m. every day.
- Park hours: 6:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
- Dock closes: 7:00 P.M. Boats sales end: 5:00 P.M.
Dixon Lake Fees
Fishing Permit information:
A California fishing license is not required to fish at Dixon Lake, but you must purchase a daily fishing permit each day from the concession stand before you start to fish.
- Adults (16 and older) $9.00 per day
- Seniors (60 and older) $6.00 per day
- Youth (ages 8-15) $6.00 per day
- Children under 8 Free (must fish with an adult angler, and all fish caught are charged to the adult's permit)
- 2nd Rod Stamp $3.00 per day (2nd rods are not allowed during trout derbies)
Dixon Lake Fishing Report
For current Dixon Lake fishing report please visit: Weekly Fish Report for more information.
Dixon Lake Fishing Videos
These Dixon Lake videos highlights some of the most watched Dixon Lake fishing videos.
Dixon Lake Fishing Map
- Boat Dock Cove: Trout, Bass
- Pier #2: Catfish, Bass
- Trout Cove: Trout
- Jack Creek Cove: Trout
- Pier #3: Catfish, Bass
- Catfish Cove: Catfish, Bass
- Pier #4: Catfish, Trout
- Bass Cove – Bass
- Whisker Bay – Trout, Bass, Catfish
- Buoy Line – Catfish, Trout
- Bass Point – Bass
- Catfish – Catfish
Directions to Dixon Lake
Dixon Lake Address
1700 North La Honda Drive,
Escondido, CA 92027