|
Operated by the City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department
Location
Mission Bay is bordered by the San Diego River to the South, Pacific
Beach to the North, the 5 freeway to the East, and Mission Beach to the
West. Mission Bay Park sprawls out over 4,000 acres, half of which are
comprised of fishable water. The park is well mapped out with signs
directing you to most areas of the bay.
History
Mission Bay is a man-made water way, originally developed to provide
recreation for tourists to boost the local economy. The area where
Mission Bay Park sits upon was originally a marsh, which was fed by the
San Diego River outlet. The bay was dredged in the 1940s, developing
the park and bay that we have today.
General Info
Mission Bay provides anglers an extremely diverse year-round fishery.
The bay is generally shallow, with the max depth in most areas of the
bay being only 12 feet with slow sloping sand bottoms. Some areas,
including the Mission Bay Channel, Mariner's Basin and Quivera Basin
have a max-depth of 20 feet. The majority of the shoreline is sand, but
there are several areas (along the Mission Bay channel for example)
that are lined with rocks. There is roughly 27 miles of shoreline along
Mission Bay, with 19 miles of that being comprised of sand.
Fishing is permitted in almost all areas of the bay, with the exclusion
of specially marked swimming and sailing areas. Shore-fishing locations
are abundant, generally there are parking lots located on every point
within the bay.
Facilities and Camping Information
Mission Bay is perhaps San Diego's most diverse recreational area.
There is an endless list of amenities and recreation opportunities
available on the bay. There are six public launch ramps, nine marinas,
seven hotels, dozens of well-maintained restrooms, two fuel docks, boat
rentals, a campground, fire-pits, playgrounds, protected swimming areas
with lifeguards, and much more.
The six public launch ramps on Mission Bay are located on/at;
- Santa Clara Point
- Dana Landing (in Dana Basin)
- Ski Beach (on Vacation Isle - East side)
- South Shores
- Campland on the Bay at Campland Marina
- De Anza Cove
Two fuel docks are located at Dana Landing and Islandia Marina.
Hours, Fees and Boating Info
The bay itself is open 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Please be
advised that some parking lots are closed nightly, generally from 10 pm
to 4 am. Check each lot when you drive-in to be sure that you know
when/if it closes. and locks.
Generally there are no fees required to use the Mission Bay Park or any
of its public launch ramps. A valid fishing license with a saltwater
stamp is required for anglers.
The speed limit on Mission Bay is 5 mph unless otherwise specified.
There are designated water-ski areas that permit open speeds during
day-light hours. Boats are not permitted within certain designated
areas, including swimming beaches and coves. Please observe all buoys
marking special regulations.
Fishing Information
Mission Bay is home to an abundant population of sand-bottom dwelling fish species including, but not limited to;
- Spotted Bay Bass
- Sand Bass
- Calico Bass
- Sculpin
- Halibut
- Shark and Ray species including Leopard Sharks and Bat Rays
- Croaker
Fishing for spotted bay bass and halibut is very good in Mission
Bay. Anglers can also target Bat Rays and Leopard Sharks which strain
both angler and equipment. Eel grass lines the shoreline in almost all
areas of the bay, and provide cover for bass species. Bay Bass can be
targetted with both artificial and live bait presentations. Ghost
Shrimp make a very good bait for bass and other smaller species of
fish. Squid is the go-to bait for larger Bat Rays and Leopard Sharks.
For more information
City of San Diego - Mission Bay Park
Mission Bay Parks - (619)221-8900
|
