Lake Hodges Fishing Overview

Hodges Lake is a long, narrow reservoir famous for its massive Florida-strain largemouth bass. These trophy-sized largemouth bass are a common occurrence at Lake Hodges. In fact, bass weighing up to 20 pounds have been recorded. Anglers can find these big bass most active in the spring. However, due to crowds and absurdly heavy fishing pressure, these giants can be very tricky to catch. Consider using larger lures paired with unconventional techniques. Presenting these seasoned bass with something unique might just be the difference between a...

Hodges Lake is a long, narrow reservoir famous for its massive Florida-strain largemouth bass.

These trophy-sized largemouth bass are a common occurrence at Lake Hodges. In fact, bass weighing up to 20 pounds have been recorded. Anglers can find these big bass most active in the spring. However, due to crowds and absurdly heavy fishing pressure, these giants can be very tricky to catch. Consider using larger lures paired with unconventional techniques. Presenting these seasoned bass with something unique might just be the difference between a fish of a lifetime or a skunk.

Crappie fishing at Hodges Lake can also be excellent with plenty of size, as 2+ pounders are not uncommon. Focus on areas with dense brush and stickups where these fish tend to cluster. Additionally, the lake is home to bluegill and channel catfish that can attain trophy status as well.

Hodges Lake is typically only open three days a week (to give the fish a much-needed rest from the onslaught of anglers). However, access days can vary, so it's important to check for updates on water levels and operational days before planning your fishing trip.

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Species:

Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Yellow Bullhead, Bluegill, Common Carp

Trophy Fish:

Largemouth Bass: 20.25 lb (1985)
Channel Catfish: 35 lb (1977)
Black Crappie: 3.5 lb (1987)
Blue Catfish: 36.6 lb (2015)

Boating / Access:

No sailboats or personal water-crafts. 10mph limit. See inspection regulations.

Geography:

Max Depth: 115 ft

Surface Area: 1,233 acres

Surface Elevation: 220 ft

Fishing Reports

Log Report

Lake Hodges

Aug 7

San Diego County

Public

Excellent Bass bite

Bass, Crappie

82°F Slightly Stained

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 getting fish. The morning reaction bite has been excellent on crankbaits and jerkbaits. Bass and crappie are keying on shad, but they're also pushing up shallow on silversides...

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 getting fish.

The morning reaction bite has been excellent on crankbaits and jerkbaits. Bass and crappie are keying on shad, but they're also pushing up shallow on silversides. Some really good reports are coming from the dam area, with slab crappie and 3+ pound bass caught early on jerkbaits.

Otherwise, midday anglers are leaning on finesse stuff... drop-shots, Senkos and Texas-rigged worms... worked on points and deeper structure.

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1 angler found this report useful

Lake Hodges

Mar 4

San Diego County

Public

Excellent Crappie bite

Bass, Crappie

64°F Stained

Hodges reopened Feb 4, and the bass bite had been tough overall, which is pretty typical early in the season. But the recent warm weather has sparked some better action over the last week. Water temps are now in the low to mid 60s, though clarity still isn’t great. More fish are starting to show up shallow, holding near cover or along transition...

Shad-colored rattle traps and crankbaits are getting the occasional reaction bite, but dark colored crawdad soft plastics and small jigs seem to be producing more and better fish.

Crappie action has been very good on jigs and small crankbaits, with quite a few fish running 2 to 3 pounds. Look for Hodges to improve substantially over the next week or two.

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4 anglers found this report useful