Lower Otay Lake in San Diego, California For Fishing & Camping

Fish Species

• Bluegill
• Catfish
• Crappie
• Largemouth Bass

The Lower Otay Reservoir is an artificial lake in San Diego County, CA, flanked by Otay County Open Space Preserve and Chula Vista. The reservoir is formed by impounding the waters of the Otay River behind Savage Dam, completed in 1918. It is the terminus for the Second San Diego Aqueduct owned by the City of San Diego. The lake was originally created in 1897 after the construction of the Lower Otay Dam by The Southern California Mountain Water Company. This reservoir is home to the United States Olympic Training Center and is known to be one of the best bass fisheries on the west coast. It is located about 30 minutes south of downtown San Diego, close to the Mexico border.

Fishing, Camping, and other outdoor activities are allowed and popular at the Lower Otay Reservoir which is filled with rainbow trout, catfish, brown trout, and sunfish. Lower Otay is equally matched with quality and quantity bass fishing. The old dead trees protruding from the water and jumbo size rock piles in the lake make an awesome habitat for bass. The first day of fishing season always has a very long line of trucks pulling boats to the launches. They actually start to line up a couple of days before the season opener. Lower Otay Reservoir is also a massive catfish repository. This lake held the record for the largest catfish until San Vicente produced a 101 pound fish. Lower Otay hold the county record bluegill (3.5 pounds). Lower Otay Reservoir is located within a 30-minute drive of downtown San Diego, approximately 8 miles east of Chula Vista.
Directions: From Interstate 805, exit on Telegraph Canyon Road going east, turn south on Wueste Road.

When full Lower Otay Reservoir has 1,100 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 137.5 feet, and 25 shoreline miles. Water levels are monitored weekly.


There are 13 barbecues and 16 picnic tables in the picnic area. Patrons can bring self-contained barbecues for use in designated areas only. No ground fires or glass containers are allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and at least 50 feet away from the water. Dogs are not allowed on boats (private or rental).

The City of San Diego Water Department is proud that Lower Otay is the home of the United States Olympic Training center for rowing sports.


Lower Otay's fish include Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, black and white crappie, channel catfish, blue catfish, white catfish and bullhead. Minimum size limit for bass is 12 inches. Fish limits are five bass, five catfish and 25 crappie, with no limit on other species. Fish catch information is updated weekly.


In addition to fishing from boats, patrons can float tube or fish from shore. All roadside of Otay and Harvey Arms and both sides of North Point are accessible by foot. Use of float tubes is restricted to within 150 feet or less from shore. Float tubers must wear chest waders and have a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device readily available at all times, and have 144 square inches of international orange visible at least 12 inches above the water line. They must also possess a horn or whistle to warn approaching craft. Any float tube that uses oars or has a motor must purchase a private boat use permit.