Operated by the Helix Water District

Location

Lake Jennings is located 5 miles east of El Cajon in the hills above Lakeside. Take I-8 east to Lake Jennings Park Rd, turn left, then right onto Harritt Road. Where Harritt Rd. divides go right to the south entrance on Bass Dr.

History

The dam at Lake Jennings was built in 1964 to create a reservoir for the local residents of Lakeside around the lake and down the hill. A water treatment facility next to the lake reminds us that the lake is ultimately there to provide fresh drinking water and not just a place to relax and enjoy a day of fishing. The lake has approximately 85 surface acres and lies at an altitude of 700 ft. above sea level. The park surrounding the lake takes up approximately 100 acres and contains a large campground and hiking trails. The park is operated by both the San Diego County Dept. of Parks and Recreation and Helix Water District. Parks and Recreation currently runs the campground including reservations and fees, while the Helix Water Dist. operates the fishing, boating and recreational activities.

For updated fishing info including Fees and Regulations,
go to http://www.lakejennings.org/

Facilities and Camping Info

The campground is located in a shady and quiet area slightly above the lake giving campers an elevated view of the water. There are 28 campsites with full hook-ups for trailers and RV's up to 35 ft., 35 sites with partial hook-ups for vehicles up to 25 ft., 6 secluded sites for tents only, and 20 for small campers and tents only. Restrooms, hot showers, laundry tubs, a playground, fish-cleaning facility, and pump station are within short walk of any campsite. There are several hiking trails around the lake that lead to and from the campground.

 

Fishing Information

Jennings holds a reputation for being a BIG catfish producer, and is one of a minority of San Diego County lakes that contains the larger Blue Catfish. Every year several cats over 15 lbs. are reported, especially during the summer night fishing season. Mackerel and chicken-livers are not-surprisingly the top producers, but any stink bait works in the shallows at night for the nocturnal feeders. Thousands of pounds of channel catfish are stocked from June to August during the summer, so when the big-un's aren't biting there's always something close. Jennings is also a quality trout fishery during the winter months when the lake is constantly stocked with 1200 lb. loads of rainbow trout. Nightcrawlers, powerbait and lures on light line are almost always a sure thing. Shore fishing is exceptionally good at this lake with several coves, drop-offs, points and docks to try. Not as popular due to constant catfish and trout plants, but Jennings does hold some monster bass and produces promising numbers throughout the year. Bass (min. 12 inches, trout (limit 5), blue and channel catfish (limit 5 each), bluegill and sunfish (no limit). Any fish caught by children under 8 count against the limit of accompanying adult.

Notable Catches & Lake Records - 11/2000

• Largemouth Bass ................ 16 lb. 5 oz.
• Blue Catfish ........................ 50 lb.
• Rainbow Trout .................... 15 lb. 2 oz.
• Channel Catfish ................... 33 lb. 12 oz.
• Redear Sunfish .................... 03 lb. 2 oz.

You can contact the Parks and Recreation Dept. at (858) 694-3049.
24hr. recorded information (619) 466-0585 ext. 293, or (619) 443-2510.
For more information visit the Lake Jennings County Park Page!
or Helix Water District Lake Info Page.