Operated by the City of Escondido

Location

Dixon Lake is located in the avocado covered foothills one mile northeast of the City of Escondido, California. Take the 15 freeway to El Norte Pkwy exit in Escondido. Go east 4 miles to La Honda, and make a left (you'll probably see the sign for Dixon Lake before you see the sign for La Honda). Follow La Honda up the hill until you get to Dixon Lake.

History

The dam at Lake Dixon was completed in 1971 as the result of a water storage act passed almost a decade before. Since it's conception Dixon was intended for recreational use, as well, of course, as water storage. During the construction of the dam, the park surrounding the lake was developed into a recreation facility with picnic shelters, campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing floats and a concession stand. Fish were stocked in the reservoir 6 years prior to opening to the public. The lake quickly became a nest for largemouth bass up to and including 20+ lbs.

Facilities and Camping Info

Each campsite has either a view overlooking the lake, or overlooking the city of Escondido. There are 44 individual campsites nestled into the hills above the lake, each with a table, stove and food locker and nearby access to restrooms with showers (10 campsites have sewer, electrical and water hookups for motor homes and trailers). Reservations for camping and picnic shelters can be made Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., by calling (760) 741-3328. Walk-in reservations can be made at the Concession Building at Lake Dixon. Reservations will only be accepted with payment of all use fees and reservation fee. Reservation for campsites begins 2:00 p.m. on date desired and ends 12:00 noon (check-out time) on day of departure.

Hours, Fees and Boating info

The park is open everyday from 6:00 AM to sunset year-around. Night fishing is available during the summer months when the lake is open until 11:45 PM (boats due back by 11pm.) Private boats, float tubes, and gas outboards are not permitted at the lake. Row boats, motorboats, and paddleboats are available for rent. You may bring your own electric motor and battery for use on a rowboat if you if you choose. Rental boats are of the 14 ft. aluminum Valco 3-bench variety. Anchors are cement filled coffee cans. Anglers are required to purchase a daily fishing permit, and posses a valid California State fishing license.

Please visit the City of Escondido, Lake Dixon website for current prices and fees. http://www.lakedixon.com/

Fishing Information

Dixon has been made famous in recent years by a series of catches (likely the same bass) that have grasped national attention. In April of 2001, Mike Long of Poway caught a 20 lb. 12 oz. bass. Just over two years later, in June of 2003, Jed Dickerson of Carlsbad caught a 21 lb. 11.2 Oz. bass. This is where it gets really interesting - the 21 lb 11 oz monster is thought to be the same bass that Long caught (and released) in 2001. Made famous by her "beauty mark" the distinct bass has earned her share of publicity. Most would assume a bass this size would be near the end of its growing stage and not be able to add much more weight, or live much longer for that matter.

In March of 2006, one of the most remarkable catches in sportfishing lore was "made." Just before 8:00am on the morning of March 20th, Mac Weakley (friend of Jed Dickerson) hooked and boated the largest bass ever recorded at 25 lbs 1 oz. Just mere minutes afterwards, the catch was reported on SDFish.com's Message Forum. Discussion followed as the details of the catch became available. The fish was reported to have been foul hooked, therefore not recognized as the world record.

Mike Winn (another friend of Mac Weakley and Jed Dickerson) is shown in the picture on the right posing with the 25 lb sow caught by Mac Weakley. Notice the black dot below her chin? Thats right, this is widely believed to be the same fish caught in 2001 by Long, and in 2003 by Jed Dickerson.

Despite the sheer numbers of large bass, Dixon has kept a low-profile on its bass fishery as San Diego has at least 6 other lakes that are better known for their bass fishing. Dixon is better known for it's winter trout fishing and summer nighttime catfishing which can both be phenomenal at times.

Special Regulations

• Alcohol prohibited in all areas except the campground!
• NO BODILY CONTACT WHATSOEVER, Dixon Lake is a domestic drinking water supply!
• Pets are not allowed in the park!
• CHARCOAL FIRES ONLY are permitted - EXTREME FIRE DANGER!
• Use of firearms and weapons of any kind are prohibited in the park!
• Private boats are not allowed on the lake!
• Gas powered outboards are prohibited on the lake!
• Speed limit within the park is 10 mph!!
• Current daily permits are required on person while fishing!
• RESTRICTED AREA - lake and shoreline around the outlet tower and dam are off limits!

You can contact the Dixon Lake ranger station at (760) 839-4680.
For more information visit the Lake Dixon website.
All pictures, maps, text obtained and used with permission.