El Capitan Lake in San Diego, California For Fishing & Camping

Fish Species

• Bluegill
• Carp
• Catfish (Channel)
• Crappie
• Largemouth Bass

El Capitan Reservoir is in central San Diego County, California about 30 miles northeast of the city of San Diego and a couple of miles north of the town of Alpine. It has the largest capacity in the City of San Diego Lakes system. It's located approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, on the San Diego River. When full, the reservoir has 1,562 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 197 feet and 22 miles of shoreline.

There is limited recreation available at the reservoir. Boating and water skiing are available from May through October. Personal water craft are limited to a designated zone, except when towing someone. Also, the long, narrow north arm of the lake is only open to watercraft on Sundays. Fishing is allowed all year but here is no camping allowed at the lake. The nearest camping site is about 10 miles away at Lake Jennings.

El Capitan Reservoir has Florida-strain largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, green sunfish and carp. Minimum size limits and fish limits apply and are updated weekly. In addition to fishing from boats, patrons can float tube or fish from shore, although there are only about four miles of shoreline that are reasonably accessible by foot.

There is no longer a concession at El Capitan, so patrons must bring their state fishing license, bait, and all food and drink with them. The lake still has rowboats and boats and motors available to rent. To reserve all day motorboats, call 619-668-3274 Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 4:00. All other boats are available on a first come basis only. Rental boats are available on Saturday and Sunday only and there will be no rentals in June, July and August. Lake staff is selling all permits.

There is no camping allowed at El Capitan. The nearest camping is at Lake Jennings run by the Helix Water District approximately 10 miles from El Capitan. For reservations at Lake Jennings call(619) 390-1623 (campground)