Operated by the City of San Diego Water Department

Miramar is open to fishing and private boats seven days a week. Rental boats are available Saturday and Sunday only.

Location

From Interstate 15 proceed east on Mira Mesa Boulevard, turn south on Scripps Ranch Boulevard, then east on Scripps Lake Drive to the reservoir entrance.

General Info

"The stories just don't get any more outlandish than at Miramar. This is the lake where a 21-pound, 10-ounce bass was caught that was discovered to have a lead diving weight in its stomach--and also the place where a 20-pound, 15-ouncer is alleged to have been floating, dead of old age, and then scooped up and presented as a record catch. Regardless, Miramar is something of a miniaturized factory for making big bass. It is a tiny lake, just 180 acres with an estimated population of 5,000 bass. But they get huge. Stocked trout are like growing pills, and good numbers of threadfin shad are available as well, as prime forage." (California Fishing; T.C.G., Tom Stienstra 1995/96)

Schedule and Boating Info

The lake is open for fishing and boating Saturday through Tuesday, 10 months a year, closed in October and November. There is no HP limit at the lake, but 5 mph is the speed limit. The park is open everyday year-round from sunrise to sunset for picnicking, and for jogging, bicycling and rollerblading around the 3.5 mile trail that encircles most of the lake. There is a boat ramp and loading dock available for private boats. Rental rowboats, motorboats, canoes and paddleboats are available for rent at the lake. Canoes, Kayaks and Float tubes are permitted as long as tubers wear full waders and conform to all Coast Guard regulations. Direct water contact such as swimming and wading is not permitted.

Facilities

Charcoal barbeques and picnic tables are readily available for family outings. There is a concession stand with basic drinks, snacks and bait & tackle. There are no campgrounds at Miramar.

Fishing Information

Anglers casting shad-patterned crankbaits can have a lot of success during the early summer. Another technique that can work at Miramar is split-shoting worms just above the grass-weed-muck-covered bottom. A favorite spot is Mo's Hole where the water pumps into the lake, see map above for locations. Limits are as follow. Bass (5 @ min. 12"), bluegill (25), channel catfish (5) and rainbow trout (5) (planted November through May).

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