Cuyamaca is perhaps the most beautiful lake in San Diego County, set in the high elevations of the Cuyamaca Mountains. This small 110 acre lake sits at 4,620 feet above sea level in the mountains to the east of San Diego and experiences all 4 seasons unlike any other lake in the county. From San Diego, take Interstate 8 about 40 miles east to Hwy. 79, then go north 10 miles.
History
The Dam at Cuyamaca is the second oldest in California and was completed in 1888 to store water which was then piped down to San Diego in wooden flumes to help quench a desperate need for water in San Diego. 3 years later in 1891 several species of fish were stocked, and the newly formed reservoir became a mountain fishery. Over the next few decades the lake battled off and on with dry spells and water shortages and the fishery was completely wiped out towards the end of world war II. The lake remained unused until the mid-60's when a new organization, the Lake Cuyamaca Recreation and Park District, was formed and through different projects created a more permanent infrastructure for the lake. A dike was built to create a smaller yet deeper lake which could resist drought better. The larger part of the lake only holds water during very wet seasons.
General Info
The lake staff offers free fishing classes every Saturday at 10 AM., with fly and bass fishing classes offered periodically during the appropriate time of year. A free guided nature walk by Clint Powell around the 3.5 mile trail surrounding the lake is offered on the first Sunday each month at 1:00 PM. A Youth Fishing Program is also offered at Lake Cuyamaca.
Facilities and Camping Info
There is a store and restaurant at the lake with bait and tackle, food and drinks etc. For campers there are a few hookups for RV's at the lake, and many camping spots and more RV hookups down the road a couple miles at Cuyamaca State Park. There is a paved launch ramp for private boats, a boat dock, and a jetty for fishermen. Trails lead to and from the lake and cover miles of mountainous terrain for hikers.
Hours, Fees and Boating info
The park is open everyday from 6:00 AM to sunset year-around. Private boats 10 feet and over can launch for $5.00 at the paved launch ramp. There is no horsepower limit, but the speed limit of 10 MPH is strictly enforced. Canoes and kayaks are only allowed during the summer months and Zodiac type inflatable boats only are allowed, no rafts. Float tubes can be used during the last 3 hours of daylight on weekends and holidays, and all day during the week. Special regulations require waders, US Coast Guard approved floatation device, 12 square inch orange patch 12" above water, and tubers must stay within 400 ft of shore. Rental boats are available for $35.00/day with motor, $26.00 after 1:00 PM. Rowboats are $14.00/day and $12.00 after 1 PM. During the summer months rental canoes and paddle boats are available for $10.00/hour. Boats are rented on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Fishing permits are $5.00 for adults, $2.50 for youths (8-15), children 7 and under are free with adult permits. A valid California State fishing license is required for anglers 16 and over. RV Campsites are $25.00/day with hookups, or $15.00/day without hookups. Tent Campsites are $15.00/day. Campsites are available on a first come first served basis, no reservations. There is a $6.00/car fee for campers not intending to fish. For questions call (760) 765-0515.
Species of Fish
Due to the colder climate of Cuyamaca, the lake is ideal for year-around trout fishing with 42,400 lbs. of trout stocked all year long. On the average, trout tend to be small (3/4 - 1 lb avg) but are often caught over 10 lbs. Cuyamaca is also the only lake in the county which fly fishing is widely practiced. Besides trout Cuyamaca has a descent population of largemouth bass with quite a few pushing 10 lbs and more, catfish, crappie and bluegill. Cuyamaca is also home to two species of fish rare to San Diego County; Sturgeon and Smallmouth Bass. Sturgeon and Smallmouth were first introduced in 1995-96 by the Dept. of Fish and Game.
Largemouth Bass (limit of 5)
Smallmouth Bass (catch and release only)
Sturgeon (min. size 46", unsure of limit at this time)
Rainbow Trout (limit of 5)
Channel Catfish (limit of 5)
Crappie (limit of 25)
Bluegill (limit of 25)
* Due to an ongoing program to improve the quality of fishing at Cuyamaca (i.e. curb overpopulation), the lake requires all fish to be kept with the exception of Sturgeon and Smallmouth which are regulated under Dept. of Fish and Game regulations. As of this time, all Smallmouth Bass must be released so the population can establish itself. Sturgeon must be at least 46-inches.
For more detailed information visit the Lake Cuyamaca home page.
For information on the surrounding Cuyamaca State park visit their site.
