Those summer days and warm nights are now upon us here at Dixon Lake. Night fishing will officially kicks off Thursday night, July 12. See details below. However.....the lazy days of summer is officially here and so is the summer species of fishing.   Bluegill action is on the perfect path for those fishing near structure and the weeds using little crappie jigs and the smaller red worms or mealworms.  Bass are back in the deeper waters with maybe a few lurking females on the old beds. Catfish action is much better at night and at dusk as they tend to be more active after the sun goes down. Use cut mackerel, shrimp, or anchovies for the whisker fish  

Water Temperature: 79 degrees at the surface      Water Level: steady levels       Clarity Depth: 29.9 feet

The trout season is over, so boats are generally available most days.  Thursdays and the weekends after we stock are the most busy.  Remember, there is no "catch & release" for trout, and the new bass limit is reduced to only 2 bass in possession over 12 inches. Violations of these new rules (EMC 18-111) will result in confiscation of fish, ejection from the park for 72 hours, and a citation to appear in court.   Rangers are available to answer questions, provide advice, and to monitor angler activity.        

All of the bass are in the post spawning season and the lake has seen large numbers of bass fry near the piers....future world records. Persistence pays off at this lake.  As always, to preserve the bass population, always capture the photo and then practice catch and release.  For you jig chucker's....try any thing that matches the bait which resembles a small silver minnow or a small rainbow trout jig for the bigger bass. Bass limits have changed to only 2 bass over 12" inches. Please spread the word as new signs are in place to reflect this important change. Any questions should be brought to the Ranger staff.

Night fishing on Thursday and Friday nights will officially start on Thursday, July 12th and will continue until Friday, August 31.  Boat rentals will start at 5:00 p.m. on those days and anglers in boats can fish until 10:30 p.m.. All boats are due into the dock no later than 10:45 p.m.  Shoreline fishing areas are limited and the park fully closes at 11:45 p.m. on Thursday and Friday nights.  All fishing permits are required. Failure to obey posted signs will result in forfeiture of your catch and ejection from the lake. The lake will be open for fishing every day during regular hours (6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.).  See the schedule below for stocking dates and weights.

• Tuesday, July 3, 2018 1,000 pounds
• Friday, July 13, 2018 1,000 pounds
• Friday, July 20, 2018 1,000 pounds
• Friday, August 3, 2018 1,000 pounds
• Friday, August 24, 2018 1,000 pounds

For more rules and regulations on night fishing, please call the Dixon Lake Ranger Station.  

 A NEW LAKE RECORD.... from our last year derby grand prize winner and a lake record was broken by Don Stephensen  (long time angler)  who pulled in a 16.82 pound Tailwalker rainbow trout while only using 4 pound test fishing line. The fish battled for 20 minutes before finally coming ashore. Don was using a "green smoking worm jig" between Pier #2 and Trout cove shoreline.  Don didn't give much time for the ink to dry as Steve Capps's name was only there for less than 6 weeks. It the third trout this season to be over the 16 pound mark. Check out our website for these wall of fame photos and other fish photos.       

Dixon Lake staff encourages anglers who qualify to take advantage of “Senior/Military Wednesdays.” Senior citizens 60 and better and military personnel are eligible to rent an all-day motor boat for $18, or an all-day row boat for $12  Permits are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors over 60 and youths between the ages of 8-15 years old.

For more information on park rules, future stocking schedules, and other information, please call the Dixon Lake Ranger station at 760-839-4680, or visit http://www.dixonlake.com.