Lake Poway in San Diego, California For Fishing & Camping

Fish Species

• Bass
• Panfish
• Wild Trout

Lake Poway is located on the eastern side of the City of Poway in San Diego's North County. Less than 10 miles south of Escondido, CA, and 20 miles northeast of Downtown San Diego, CA, the lake is centrally located in the county for easy access to most local residents. The dam at Poway is one of the counties most recently built. The city takes great pride in Lake Poway and has developed it into a quality fishing and recreation area.

The Lake Poway Recreation Area is loaded with activities. There is a 900-square foot pavilion picnic area for large groups complete with barbecues, tables, restrooms and a kitchen. For smaller picnics there are gazebos with tables and barbecues, a park area, a softball field and volleyball court. There is a full service snack bar complete with bait and tackle that sits above the lake overlooking the boat dock and dam in the distance. For campers there are eight campsites with picnic tables. There are also an amphitheater, restrooms and horse corrals.

This small lake produces big fish in big numbers. Bass over 15 pounds are very common, caught almost weekly at times. Despite this, the lake receives relatively little pressure. Due to heavy stocking of rainbow trout in the winter, which happens to be a favorite meal for largemouth, the bass get fat quickly. Year-round fishing is available for several species of fish including trout, bass, catfish, sunfish and bluegill. Shore or rental boat fishing is available. State fishing licenses are no longer required to fish Lake Poway. There is a two rod limit for each angler. All other California Department of Fish and Game freshwater rules remain in effect. Fishing permits are still required.