Lake Morena is located on the east slope of the Laguna Mountains, approx. 60 miles east of the city of San Diego. From San Diego, take I-8 East to Buckman Springs Rd. Turn Right (South) and travel approx. 4 miles to Lake Morena Rd and turn Right to the lake.

General Info:

    This Lake consists of 1,500 surface acres and has 26 miles of shoreline at capacity. Water levels fluctuate considerably here, current capacity (April, 2004) is 220 acres. It is set at an elevation of 3,000 feet. Open year-round, 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunset. Entrance fee is $2 per vehicle. Camping is available for tents and RV's from $10 to $18 and there are also wilderness cabins for rent at $25 per night. There is a lake store for supplies. Body contact with the water is not allowed. (619) 579-4101, Reservations (858) 565-3600, Fishing Hotline (619) 478-5473. Lake Morena web site

Boating Info:

    There is a single lane launch ramp available for $4. Rental boats are available at the marina from $9 to $30 per day. Float-tubing and windsurfing are allowed.

Fishing Info:

    Fishing permits are $3.50. Rainbow trout are stocked here during the Winter months by the DFG and county hatcheries. There is also a healthy population of Florida-strain largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill here. Minimum length for largemouth bass is 12 inches. Record largemouth bass is 19-pounds, 3-ounces taken in 1987 by Arden Hanline. Record rainbow trout is 10-pounds, 3-ounces taken by Dave Field. Be sure to visit the CDFW web site for complete regulations before heading out.

• Read and Post Morena Lake Fishing Reports Here
• CDFW Fish Planting Schedule for Morena Lake

Comments and Tips:

Like many of the smaller trout-stocked lakes in San Diego county, Miramar has a reputation of producing some record-sized largemouth bass. Lake record is 20 pounds, 11 ounces. Using soft-plastic trout imitation lures is a good method to entice one of these hogs into biting.

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