Half an hour to the east of San Diego sits the 85 acre impoundment that is Lake Jennings. The lake features an impressive trout and catfish stocking program, and is also known for producing sizable largemouth bass, with the record being an impressive 16.58 pounds

From November to April, Lake Jennings is stocked with 20,000 pounds of rainbow trout. These cooler months are when trout fishing is at its best. It is not uncommon for anglers to continue having success into the spring and summer months, but as the water temperature increases, the trout seek deeper, cooler waters. The southwest portion of the main lake holds the deepest water and is most likely to support trout in these warmer months.

Lake Jennings also stocks catfish, adding 10,000 pounds of fish annually. The lake's banks offer catfish anglers ample space for shore casting. When targeting catfish, focus on steep banks or consult maps to pinpoint areas with channel swings and deeper waters. Given that Lake Jennings is only open for day use, it's advisable to fish during low-light conditions to increase the chances of hooking a trophy catfish. The lake's record for catfish is an astounding 84.8 pounds, set in 2020.

Lake Jennings is another excellent Southern California largemouth bass fishing option. Though it is small, the stocked trout offer the forage for for bass to grow to double digit sizes. In the spring, check the backs of creeks, tapering points, and the lake’s floating docks to find fish transitioning into the shallows. In the summer and winter months, use electronics when possible to probe deep water and find brush, rock piles, or channel swings that the bass are relating to.

It is worth noting, Lake Jennings has a no-wake 10mph speed limit across the whole lake. Boat rentals, a bait shop and other facilities are available.