Operated by the City of San Diego Water Department
No Concession Services Available - Cash Only for Launch and Lake Fees
San Vicente is scheduled to close at some point in 2008 for the Dam Raise project. For information on the San Vicente Dam Raise visit www.sdcwa.org
Location
Located 25 miles northeast of San Diego in the rural foothills of Lakeside. From Escondido, take 15 south to Scripps Poway Parkway going east which ends at Highway 67. Turn right on 67, continue to Vigilante Road and make a left turn. Make another left on Moreno Avenue and follow signs to the entrance. From San Diego take 8 east to Highway 67. Go north on 67 to Vigilante Road, turn right, then turn left on Moreno Avenue. From the entrance it’s about one mile to the concession/launch area.
General Info
Home of California State's largest freshwater "fish", a 101 lb. Blue Catfish caught in 2000. The dam was completed in 1943 forming a 1,069 surface acre reservoir with 14 miles of shoreline and a depth of up to 190 ft. There is a natural island in the middle of the lake that provides prime fishing territory and an attractive view from all around. San Vicente is a prime bass lake that regularly hosts fishing tournaments from local and national organizations. This is currently the only lake in the county that permits water-skiing, and wakeboarding.
Schedule and Boating Info
Due to the Emergency Storage Project construction activities, San Vicente Reservoir will be closed on weekdays beginning October 1st, 2007 through April 30th, 2008. Fishing is permitted Saturday and Sunday until the reservoir's closure, the lake will re-open sometime between 2014 and 2017, when the water level reaches the new launch ramp. There is a large paved launch ramp with multiple lanes for several boats at a time. Rental rowboats and motorboats are available, purchase permits at the concession. To reserve an all-day motorboat, please call 619-668-3274. Canoes, kayaks, and float tubes are permitted on fishing days only. Float tubers must follow standard regulations which include waterproof waders, 144 sq. in. orange for visibility, horn or whistle and spare floatation device and must stay within 150 ft. of shore at all times.
Facilities
This park is better suited for water activities than it is from shore, however there is a picnic area with barbeques and a beautiful view of the lake for a nice day by the water.
Fishing Information
San Vicente is one of the larger lakes in the county providing lots of shoreline and deep water access. Trout are stocked during the winter which provides fun for anglers and growth pills for the bass to gorge on. Trout fishing is somewhat sporadic however and actually the least popular. This lake is an incubator for Volkswagen sized Catfish (101 lb. state record), 3 lb. Bluegill, Redear Sunfish and Black Crappie, and Largemouth bass with a large percentage over 10 lbs. This lake has an island in the middle with shallow and steep areas. Heavy reeds in some areas provide good cover for panfish.
Bass (limit of 5 at 12" min.)
Crappie (limit of 25 at 10" min.)
Bluegill (no limit)
Channel Catfish (limit of 5).
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 Boat Reservations call: (619) 668-3274 Mon-Fri 8:00-2:00
For more information visit the COSD Water Dept. San Vicente Reservoir Page.
For current operating schedules and announcements visit the COSD Water Dept. Bulletin page.
