Operated by the City of San Diego Water Department

Location

From Interstate 15 exit on Via Rancho Parkway in Escondido. Go west 5 miles to Lake Drive and turn left to reservoir entrance.

General Info

Hodges is known nationally for it's largemouth bass population. This lake is one of the few ever to produce a 20 lb class largemouth without a trout stock at the lake. The lake record is 20 lbs 4 ozs.  Popular lures for bass here include plastic worms (6-12 inches), pig-n-jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and of course live baits especially crawdads. Concentrate most of your early season bassin' in the tules. Pull your boat right up to the tules and find a hole to drop your bait in. Lift up and let the bait fall, watch for a tick on the drop.

Hodges also provides great fishing for crappie, 2 pounders are not uncommon. The lake record crappie is 3 lbs 3 ozs. Big channel catfish are fairly common in the summer, with favorite baits being mackerel or chicken liver. The most productive areas of the lake for all species of fish are the Narrows and the area around the Dam.

Schedule and Boating Info

The lake is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, sunrise to sunset, February through October.  Rental rowboats and motorboats are available for fishing and recreational boating. Private boaters are welcome and only need pay a small launch ramp usage fee. Canoes, kayaks and float tubes are permitted, however float tubers must follow standard regulations which include waterproof waders, 144 sq. in. orange for visibility, horn or whistle and spare floatation device. Float tubers must stay within 150 ft. of shore at all times. No swimming or water contact allowed.

Facilities

The lake concession has been closed, permits are sold by the lake staff either on the dock or at the concession window. Other recreational activities include kayaking, canoeing, sailing.

Fish Sizes and Limits

• Bass (limit of 5 at 15" min.)
• Crappie (limit of 25 at 10" min.)
• Bluegill (no limit)
• Channel Catfish (limit of 5).

For more information visit the COSD Water Dept. Lake Hodges Page.
For current operating schedules and announcements visit the COSD Water Dept. Bulletin page.