El Capitan Reservoir
San Diego County Bass, Catfish, Crappie
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What's Biting - 1 day ago
Largemouth Bass
Excellent

El Capitan Reservoir Fishing Overview

Water Description

Located in a deep canyon and fed by the San Diego River, El Capitan Reservoir is a haven for bass fishing enthusiasts. Local fishermen hold this lake in high regard, and for good reason, as it’s renowned for producing trophy-size largemouth bass, more so than any other lake in Southern California. The lake features a consistent bass bite throughout the season, and 10+ pounders are not uncommon. Keep in mind, these fish are heavily pressured not only by recreational fishermen but also by tournament anglers. Unique differences in lure...

Located in a deep canyon and fed by the San Diego River, El Capitan Reservoir is a haven for bass fishing enthusiasts. Local fishermen hold this lake in high regard, and for good reason, as it’s renowned for producing trophy-size largemouth bass, more so than any other lake in Southern California.

The lake features a consistent bass bite throughout the season, and 10+ pounders are not uncommon. Keep in mind, these fish are heavily pressured not only by recreational fishermen but also by tournament anglers. Unique differences in lure presentation can be the difference between catching fish or going home skunked. The time of year, water temperature, and clarity are aspects to consider when finding fish. During spring and fall, bass tend to hunt for baitfish in shallows, while the summer heat and winter chill drive them to deeper parts of the lake.

Besides bass, El Capitan Reservoir also houses crappie, sunfish, catfish, and carp.

To manage fishing pressure and reduce stress on the fish, the lake remains closed on certain midweek days. As weekends can be quite bustling, visiting early in the morning or on available weekdays is advisable. Always consult the operating schedule before planning your fishing trip.

Species:
Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Striped Bass, Carp
Trophy Fish:
  • Largemouth Bass: 15.31 lb - 1975
  • Striped Bass: 11.95 lb - 2014
  • Blue Catfish: 53.5 lb - 2018
  • Channel Catfish: 20.37 lb - 1974
  • Black Crappie: 3.75 lb - 1987
  • White Crappie: 2.43 lb - 1971
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating, but only on specific days. Check regulations
Geography:
Max Depth: 197 ft
Surface Area: 1,562 acres
Surface Elevation: 750 ft
Excellent Largemouth Bass bite
Bass
81°F Stained

Water levels continue to drop at El Capitan, with water temps hovering in the low 80s. The boat ramp is now closed, so access is limited to shore or kayak/float-tube anglers. But the bass bite has been really fun for those getting on the water, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Bone-colored Spook or Chappo style topwater baits are...

Water levels continue to drop at El Capitan, with water temps hovering in the low 80s. The boat ramp is now closed, so access is limited to shore or kayak/float-tube anglers. But the bass bite has been really fun for those getting on the water, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Bone-colored Spook or Chappo style topwater baits are crushing fish in the backs of coves and off points as they chase bait during these low-light periods. Fish are still being caught midday around deeper rock structure on drop-shots and T-rigged worms.

The low water levels have been a concern for quite some time... and initiatives are in place to build a new 200 ft launch ramp for better year-round access. A new paved road into the lake has also been approved.

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Excellent Largemouth Bass bite
Largemouth Bass
67°F Slightly Stained

With water temps jumping into the upper 60s, El Capitan is starting to finally show off some elite spring bass action. The early prespawn bite was hit or miss, but that spawn aggression is kicking in now, with plenty of size to go with it. Surprisingly, small soft plastics have been best for the higher quality fish. 4.5 inch roboworm (pink) drop...

With water temps jumping into the upper 60s, El Capitan is starting to finally show off some elite spring bass action. The early prespawn bite was hit or miss, but that spawn aggression is kicking in now, with plenty of size to go with it. Surprisingly, small soft plastics have been best for the higher quality fish. 4.5 inch roboworm (pink) drop shots, grubs, and smaller Senkos are all getting fish in the 2-4 pound range. Small spinnerbaits and crankbaits are also picking up bigger fish on the reaction bite. Bigger baits are oddly either being ignore, or hooking smaller fish. Best move is to stay small on lure size until the fish quality drops off, then upsize.

4 anglers found this report useful
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Nearby Reports

Water temps are up in the 80s at Jennings, and catfish stockings continue. The last load went in July 30, following two earlier July stocks... and the next one is planned for...

Water temps are warm at Hodges, with midday numbers up to 85 degrees. That narrows the best windows to mornings and evenings, though reports mention midday anglers are still...

El Capitan Reservoir Weather

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