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Upper Otay Reservoir |
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The road leading to Upper Otay is closed to vehicles, however anglers are still allowed to walk up to the lake.
Location
 Upper Otay is located about 30 minutes from downtown, 8 miles east of Chula Vista. From Interstate 805 take Telegraph Canyon Road exit east past Wueste Road to reservoir entrance on the left. From 94, take Otay Lakes Rd. south to entrance just before Wueste Rd.
History
 Upper Otay is a small lake of only 20 acres when full. The dam was built in 1901, shortly after the dam at Lower Otay was completed. The reservoir served only as an emergency reserve for Lower Otay until it was determined to be a likely hatching ground for an experimental fish transplantation project. The lake was chemically treated to remove all fish and then stocked with Florida-Strain largemouths. The first attempt was a failure as all of the fish arrived heavily parasitized and very few survived the air transportation to the lake. The successful planting of 20,400 bass fry took place on May 7, 1959. This population grew rapidly and soon Upper Otay was being used as the source for all further Florida bass planting in California. To date, 21 of the 25 largest bass ever caught were direct decedents of the original fingerlings used in that experiment.
Schedule and Boating Info
Upper Otay operates under the same schedule as Lower Otay. The lake is open for fishing sunrise to sunset Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from February to the end of October. Private boats are not allowed and rental boats are not available. Float tubes and shore fishing are permitted and tubers must follow standard regulations which include waterproof waders, 144 sq. in. orange for visibility, horn or whistle and spare floatation device. Swimming and wading is not permitted.
Facilities and Recreational Info
There are no facilities available at the lake. Visitors may bring self-contained barbecues for use in designated areas. Nearest concessions is at Lower Otay Reservoir.
Fishing Information
Upper Otay is one of 2 lakes in San Diego County that has a Catch and Release only fishing program. The lake is still an active hatchery and breeding reserve for pure-strain Florida Largemouth. Other species include bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Rainbow trout are stocked briefly in January. All species of fish including trout must be released unharmed. Barbless hooks are required!
Special Regulations
- A daily City of San Diego permit is required to provide permission to trespass for the purpose of fishing. Permits may be purchased at the Iron Ranger box at the lake, Lower Otay Reservoir concession on all open days, or in advance at any San Diego City lake concession. Permits will be honored at either lake.
- State Fish and Game regulations require the use of barbless artificial lures exclusively, while fishing for all species of fish, and that all fish must be released immediately after capture. They may not be retained in any fashion, or for any purpose, even though it may be the angler's true intent to release them later. Further, fish caught elsewhere, such as the Upper Otay Afterbay or Lower Otay Reservoir, may not be in the possession of anyone at Upper Otay Reservoir.
- State Fish and Game regulations prohibit the use of crayfish, waterdogs or any fish (live or dead) as bait at Upper Otay Reservoir.
- Boats are not permitted. Access is limited to shore fishing, wading and the use of Personal Fishing Floats such as float tubes. Anglers in contact with the water are required to wear waders. Anglers using Personal Floats are required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (i.e. life jackets) while on the water.
- Please try to keep track of the number of fish you catch and release for inclusion in the creel census surveys.
For more information visit the COSD Water Dept. Upper Otay Reservoir Page.
For current operating schedules and announcements visit the COSD Water Dept. Bulletin page.
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