Lake Poway
San Diego County Bass, Trout, Catfish, Sunfish
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Lake Poway Bite Meter

2 days ago
Bass
Good
Catfish
Good
Trout
Poor

Lake Poway Fishing Overview

Water Description

Located just 20 miles from San Diego within the Clyde E. Rexrode Wilderness area, Lake Poway may be small, but it promises more than just scenic hiking trails and abundant wildlife – it's a dream spot for anglers seeking big fish. Lake Poway is celebrated for its trophy rainbow trout, with many exceeding 10 pounds. The lake is stocked with rainbows throughout the winter. In past years, brown trout were stocked as well, so you may hook into one of these bruisers unexpectedly. Remember, if you're after trout, it's advisable to get started early...

Located just 20 miles from San Diego within the Clyde E. Rexrode Wilderness area, Lake Poway may be small, but it promises more than just scenic hiking trails and abundant wildlife – it's a dream spot for anglers seeking big fish.

Lake Poway is celebrated for its trophy rainbow trout, with many exceeding 10 pounds. The lake is stocked with rainbows throughout the winter. In past years, brown trout were stocked as well, so you may hook into one of these bruisers unexpectedly. Remember, if you're after trout, it's advisable to get started early. During the morning, these Poway trout tend to stay in shallow areas, near cover with easy access to deeper waters. As the day progresses, they tend to venture deeper and further away from the shoreline.

But trout aren't the only draw here. Lake Poway is also renowned for its largemouth bass, with many reaching low double digits. The lake boasts a bass record weighing over 14 pounds. Bluegill and trout-colored lures cast shallow can yield success early in the season. However, come mid-summer, when temperatures rise, bass tend to venture to cooler, deeper waters. That’s when finesse tactics become the ticket.

If catfish are your target, Lake Poway hosts both channel and blue catfish. The best strategy for these is evening or nighttime fishing during the summer months, preferably with live bait.

Lake Poway is usually open Wednesday through Sunday year-round. Shoreline fishing is permitted, and the lake offers boat rentals. Although privately owned boats, even non-motorized, aren’t allowed.

Species:
Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Bluegill
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 3 months ago - View Schedule
Trophy Fish:
  • Largemouth Bass: 14.1 lb (2024)
  • Blue Catfish: 47 lb (2017)
  • Channel Catfish: 28 lb (1981)
  • Bluegill: 2 lb 8 oz (2002)
Boating / Access:
Boat rentals available
Geography:
Surface Area: 53 acres
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Latest Fishing Reports

Good Bass bite
Trout, Bass, Catfish
79°F Clear

Poway’s bite has been somewhat quiet lately, but a 10+ pound largemouth giant was caught on a drop-shotted 7-inch Roboworm a couple weeks ago, so quality fish will still bite. Water temps are pushing 79 degrees, and the bass are action sluggish during most of the day. The early mornings and evening are your best bet right now for finding active...

Poway’s bite has been somewhat quiet lately, but a 10+ pound largemouth giant was caught on a drop-shotted 7-inch Roboworm a couple weeks ago, so quality fish will still bite. Water temps are pushing 79 degrees, and the bass are action sluggish during most of the day. The early mornings and evening are your best bet right now for finding active fish. Bluegill imitations shallow near grass/weeds, or finesse natural-colored soft plastics deeper on light line. First catifsh plant is expected July 11. Trout bite has been done for a while now.

2 anglers found this report useful
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Hot Bass bite
Trout, Bass
64°F Clear

Spring bassin’ is hot right now at Lake Poway. Big females have been showing up over the past couple of weeks, highlighted by a 14.8-pounder caught by Jed Dickerson—a new lake record, topping the previous 14.1-pound mark from 2024. Water temps are now in the low to mid-60s, signaling peak spawn season. These big females are pushing into the...

Spring bassin’ is hot right now at Lake Poway. Big females have been showing up over the past couple of weeks, highlighted by a 14.8-pounder caught by Jed Dickerson—a new lake record, topping the previous 14.1-pound mark from 2024. Water temps are now in the low to mid-60s, signaling peak spawn season. These big females are pushing into the shallows behind the males, and anglers are capitalizing with swimbaits and jigs to trigger defensive strikes from the larger fish. Soft plastics are working well for smaller bass. Trout fishing remains decent after the last stocking earlier this month, but with temps rising, that bite will likely taper off in the coming weeks.

8 anglers found this report useful
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Latest Stockings

1,500 pounds
Trout Local
Trout Local
1,500 pounds
Trout Local

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Lake Poway Map

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