Location and Directions:
Lake Hodges is located near San Diego off of Int. 15. From San Diego take I-15 North and exit Via Rancho Parkway East to the lake
General Info:
Lake Hodges consists of 1,234 surface acres at capacity and has 12 miles of shoreline set at an elevation of 330 feet. The lake is open for day use only - no camping is allowed. The nearest Camping is located at Dixon Lake There are numerous picnic tables and barbeques available and many hiking trails that cover the surrounding territory. There is a lake store for tackle and supplies. (619) 272-3275 For more information visit the Lake Hodges Website
Boating Info:
They have a nice launch ramp and rental boats are available. Launch fee is $5. Float-tubing is permitted. 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 for $5.00.
Fishing Info:
There are Florida-strain largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, bullhead and carp in here. Minimum size limit for bass is 15 inches. Fish limits are five bass, five catfish and 25 crappie, with no limit on bluegill, bullheads or carp.
Comments and Tips:
March 2004 - Your lake info on Hodges needs update
If the lake was at it normal level this would all be excellent info but as it is the lake is 39 feet below cap and has been that way for 3 years.
The entire east end of the lake is dry. No launch ramp is avalible. Car top boats, and float tubes only. Lake is only open on Sat and Sun
The good news is the fish are still there, and the crowds are not. It is still a hard lake to fish, smart fish, dirty water, but still a quality bass lake
Thanks
Noah Byrne
This lake is best known for it's Largemouth Bass fishing. Each year a number of big fish are pulled from here, many in the 2-digit range. The lake record is 20 pounds 5 ounces taken in May, 1985. Like most So. California lakes, it receives heavy fishing pressure and hooking a 10+ pound bass here requires lots of skill and luck. Some big Catfish and Crappie are also found here. The whiskerfish are usually taken in the flats on the east end of the lake.
If you know something about this area that you'd like to share, please E-mail and I'll post it here!
