Operated by the City of San Diego Water Department
No Concession Services Available - Cash Only for Launch and Lake Fees
Location
Lower Otay is located about 30 minutes from downtown, 8 miles east of Chula Vista. From Interstate 805 take Telegraph Canyon Road exit east to Wueste Road south to the reservoir entrance. From 94, take Otay Lakes Rd. south to Wueste Rd, follow to entrance.
History
Construction of the dam at Lower Otay was completed in 1897 and formed the 3rd reservoir in 10 years built in the county. Unfortunately, an oversight proved devastating as the dam was built with a means for shedding excess water. In 1916 heavy rains filled the reservoir beyond capacity and overpowered the dam causing it to crumble and completely wash away. Construction of a new improved dam quickly followed and the reservoir was reestablished only 2 years later. In 1990 the U.S. Olympic Committee held an official groundbreaking at the future site of the ARCO Olympic Training Center adjacent to Lower Otay. The lake is now used as a training facility for US Olympic rowing teams.
Schedule and Boating Info
The lake is open for boating and fishing sunrise to sunset Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from late January to the end of September. 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 and Recreational Info
There is a picnic area with 16 tables and 13 barbecues overlooking the lake that provides a perfect setting for family picnics and get-together's. There is also a full service snack bar with bait and tackle at the lake. Dogs are permitted but must remain on no more than 6 ft. leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed in boats, rental or private. There is no camping at the lake.
Fishing Information
When pro's and fishing articles mention bass fishing on the west coast, Lower Otay is likely to come up. It is one of the long standing premiere bass fisheries on the west coast that has made a name for itself through it's long history. The lake is equally matched with quality and quantity bass fishing. It has the looks of a bass lake with old dead trees sticking out of the water and booming rockpiles collapsing into the lake. The season opener is proof of the lakes popularity as lines of trucks toting luxury bass boats line the entrance road sometimes days beforehand. Start your day off early with topwater baits close to shore, or any type of structure you can find. Vary your retrieves, and take notice of other anglers methods around you. As the wind picks up and sun comes out, concentrate on deeper water with plastic worms, reapers and dropshot rigs. Chocolate/blue-vein hand-poured worms are an awesome go-to bait at Otay when the bite slows. Try crankbaits and spinner baits along rocky points and drop-offs.
Not as popular and possibly highly underrated, Otay is a hatching ground for HUGE catfish. Until the recent unbelievable 101 lb. record catch at San Vicente, Lower Otay held the state record for Blue Catfish at 85 lbs. 9 ozs., there have been other Blue's in the 80# class caught before. Try live crawdads, cut mackerel or chicken liver. Another fish that actually comes in huge numbers during the season is bluegill. The numbers of bluegill at Otay often top out in the thousands per week, and keep in mind only a small portion of people are actually fishing for bluegill in this bass ruled lake. Trout are also stocked in Lower Otay now.
Special Regulations
Glass containers are not allowed in the park. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and at least 50 feet away from the water. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on boats (rented or private).
For more information visit the COSD Water Dept. Lower Otay Reservoir Page.
For current operating schedules and announcements visit the COSD Water Dept. Bulletin page.
