Last Plant: 4,500 lbs. of Rainbow Trout Wednesday April 24th
Next Plant: Catfish (July TBD)
Water temperature: At surface: 69.62°F, 8.46 D.O. @ 15' 69.08°F, 8.58 D.O.
Water level: High level, private water craft/fish finders are currently banned.
Water Clarity: High (23ft)

Fishing permits, boat rentals, bait, and tackle are all sold at the Concessions Stand right next to the Ranger Station in the Lakeshore Area. Anglers "Must!" purchase a fishing permit before casting out to catch the big one. If you desire to fish with a second pole, make sure to pick up a second rod permit for an additional $2. We do not require a CA state fishing license; however, Rangers do strictly enforce the required fishing permits and fresh water regulations.

Trout: Although we are getting close to the end of trout season, there are still a fair amount of trout being caught in the lake. The trout are primarily going to be in deeper waters as we get closer to summer. In the early morning hours, you can round up a few trout in the shallow waters of Trout Cove and Boat Dock Cove. Anglers seeking trout have been having the most luck when fishing near the buoy line from a boat. Night crawlers have proven to be the bait of choice in the afternoon hours. A two-pound test set up with a 12 to 18inch leader is recommended. Mini jigs and Power Worms are being used for the aggressive morning bite. Power bait has been the go-to bait when it slows down. If you are using our rental boats for fishing, make sure to check out the buoy line if you find that the other areas are not producing well. We do suggest to start your shoreline fishing early as access to deeper water from the shoreline is limited. While fishing from the shoreline, it is recommended to go with the set up mentioned above. The Trout catching limit is 5! "No Catch & Release of Trout."

Bass: The aquatic weeds have been growing rapidly and are producing new habitats for the bass to reside in. Largemouth bass can typically be found in shallow water and are likely to be swimming under something that provides shade such as vegetation. In water bodies that contain aquatic vegetation, you may find it advantageous to use slightly heavier line. Top water lures, such as Frogs, tend to be successful as the weeds continue to grow. This time of year you will find more success using swimbaits and other “action” style baits. The fish tend to become more aggressive while defending their bass fry and will bite at almost anything moving. There have been reports of several double digit fish being caught near Boat Dock Cove. Just a reminder, bass must be at least 12 inches to keep with a limit of 2 at this time.

Catfish: July will be the beginning of our primary catfish season. In the coming months we will open up for night fishing. The catfish bite has been improving as water temperatures continue to rise. The productive areas have been Jack Creek Cove and the Buoy line in the early morning as well as the late afternoon hours before closing. Catfish typically prefer bait with the strongest scent. Cut up mackerel is typically a good choice when fishing for Cats. Catfish have a limit of 5 at this time.

Bluegill: The bite is continuing to increase as the aquatic vegetation spreads. Mealworms and cut up night crawlers have been successful choices of bait for catching bluegill. The piers will prove to be promising locations for bluegill in the late afternoon hours as the vegetation in the water continues to develop. Bluegill are limited to 25 of any size at this time.

There is a ban on private water craft and equipment at this time. Restricted equipment includes: private boats, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders, anchors, and any other equipment that contacts the water.

Notable recent catches:

Trout: Tony Smock 7.13lb, Nick Isabell 6.5lb (April)
Bass: Tracy Hartman 11.8lb (April)
Catfish: Jason Pizzarusso 29.2lb (January)
Crappie: Martin Poe 2lb (February)

Dixon Lake staff encourages anglers who qualify to take advantage of "Senior/Military Wednesdays." Senior citizens 60+ years of age as well as any military personnel are eligible to rent an all-day motor boat for $18, or an all-day row boat for $12. Fishing permits are $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors over 60. Youths permits (for children ages 8-15) are $5.00.
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.
Dixon Lake can be found on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/dixonlakecitypark
Dixon Lake has been granted an Aquaculture Permit by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This means that anglers are not required to have a California fishing license while fishing at Dixon Lake; however, all anglers 8 years and older must purchase a daily lake fishing permit. A second rod permit can be purchased for an additional $2.00. Fishing permits are available for purchase at the concession stand near the Ranger station. You must have a valid fishing permit with you before you begin fishing in our lake. Make sure to keep your fishing permit on your person at all times when fishing. All other park rules, fishing regulations and City of Escondido municipal codes will remain in effect and will be enforced by Park Rangers.