Fishing at Lake Cuyamaca

Positioned on the eastern side of the Cuyamaca Mountains, Lake Cuyamaca boasts a diverse fishery for anglers... including bass, trout, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and even sturgeon. In the early summer, the lake is especially known for its bass and crappie fishing. Abundant large bass and daily crappie limits are common. The lake's record for largemouth bass stands at a substantial 14 pounds, 3...

Positioned on the eastern side of the Cuyamaca Mountains, Lake Cuyamaca boasts a diverse fishery for anglers... including bass, trout, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and even sturgeon.

In the early summer, the lake is especially known for its bass and crappie fishing. Abundant large bass and daily crappie limits are common. The lake's record for largemouth bass stands at a substantial 14 pounds, 3 ounces.

Come winter, exceptional trout fishing emerges — a rarity in the region. Thanks to Cuyamaca's elevation, the water maintains a cooler temperature for a longer duration, allowing trout to be stocked throughout the year. This distinction makes it the sole lake in San Diego County with year-round trout stocking. And some of these trout grow impressively large, with the lake record for rainbow trout being a remarkable 17.5 pounds.

During the summer and fall, anglers can anticipate a steady catfish bite. Interestingly, sturgeon were stocked in the lake back in the 90s. Every so often, these ancient behemoths surprise trout and catfish anglers with an unexpected bite.

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Species:

Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Sturgeon

Fish Stocking:

Trout stocked 2 weeks ago - View Schedule

Trophy Fish

Largemouth Bass: 14.18 lb (1996)
Rainbow Trout: 17.5 lb (2015)
Sturgeon: 62 in (2014)
Channel Catfish: 28.31 lb (1998)
Black Crappie: 2.5 lb

Boating / Access:

No wake. Stay within buoys. No fishing from pedal boats. All boats must be inspected before launched.

Geography:

Surface Area: 111 acres

Surface Elevation: 4,612 ft

Latest Fishing Reports

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Lake Cuyamaca

Jun 23

@fishcaddysocal

Public

The trout bite continues to be strong at Cuyamaca, as it received a late-season trout stocking the week of June 16th by CDFW. Due to the lake's elevation, the water temperature is remaining much cooler compared to other San Diego County lakes. Trout anglers are still finding the most success...

Bass action has also been very good. With the cooler water temperatures, the spawn season typically delays, so fish are still holding shallow. Often times, the bigger females spawn late, so keep an eye out for giants.

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Trout, Bass

Clear

Lake Cuyamaca

Apr 29

@fishcaddysocal

Public

Cuyamaca received a 3,000-pound stocking on March 29 (including lightning trout), followed by another 1,500 pounds on April 24. There are plenty of fish to catch, and conditions remain ideal for trout. However, bass action is still slow due to the chilly water temperatures. A few bass have been...

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Trout, Bass