Lake Wohlford
San Diego County Bass, Trout, Crappie, Catfish, Sunfish
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Lake Wohlford Bite Meter

3 weeks ago
Bass
Good
Catfish
Fair
Crappie
Good

Lake Wohlford Fishing Overview

Water Description

Tucked away in Escondido, Lake Wohlford is a less popular fishery for San Diego anglers. It holds a variety of fish, ranging from big largemouth bass and catfish to crappie and trophy rainbow trout. For San Deigo bass enthusiasts, Wohlford Lake has the potential to be their favorite. It has a storied history of producing giant bass since the 80s. Wohlford continues to be a hotbed for big bass, with double-digit fish caught regularly. Springtime is the best time to catch these giants, as they are at their heaviest, and aggressively protecting...

Tucked away in Escondido, Lake Wohlford is a less popular fishery for San Diego anglers. It holds a variety of fish, ranging from big largemouth bass and catfish to crappie and trophy rainbow trout.

For San Deigo bass enthusiasts, Wohlford Lake has the potential to be their favorite. It has a storied history of producing giant bass since the 80s. Wohlford continues to be a hotbed for big bass, with double-digit fish caught regularly. Springtime is the best time to catch these giants, as they are at their heaviest, and aggressively protecting their nests.

Trout fishing is also very good, as the CDFW stocks the lake throughout the colder months. Many of these stocked trout remain in the lake for years, growing to impressive sizes. Chunky trout upwards of 8-10 pounds are caught very often. Powerbait, jigs, and small spinners are the baits that get the most action.

Lake Wohlford is also known for its crappie fishing. Anglers typically use fish finders to detect schools, although casting near areas with dense brush can also be productive.

Wohlford catfish can get absolutely giant. Channels and blues both inhabit the lake, and are quite active during hot summer evenings. Use chicken liver, nightcrawlers, or any other stinky natural bait.

No swimming or private boats are allowed at Wohlford, although boat rentals are available. Please review the regulations before planning your trip.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Blue Catfish, Bluegill
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 2 months ago - View Schedule
Trophy Fish:
  • Largemouth Bass: 19.1875 lb (1986)
  • Rainbow Trout 16.25 lb (1999)
  • Black Crappie: 3.5 lb (2016, 1986)
  • Channel Catfish: 27 lb (2007)
  • Blue Catfish: 49.30 (2014)
Boating / Access:
No private boats. Boat rentals available.
Geography:
Surface Area: 236 acres
Surface Elevation: 1,480 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Good Bass bite
Bass, Catfish, Crappie
74°F Clear

Wohlford’s bass bite is starting to shape up after the post-spawn lull, with plastics doing most of the work. T-rigged worms and Senkos are getting consistent bites close to cover, although most are under 2 pounds. A handful of better fish have been reported, including one over 5 pounds on a frog (the biggest of the month so far) and another 4+...

Wohlford’s bass bite is starting to shape up after the post-spawn lull, with plastics doing most of the work. T-rigged worms and Senkos are getting consistent bites close to cover, although most are under 2 pounds. A handful of better fish have been reported, including one over 5 pounds on a frog (the biggest of the month so far) and another 4+ pounder near Senior Shoreline. The bite isn't wide open, but better than the previous couple of weeks.

Catfish are trickling in. Despite a recent plant, results have been mixed, but folks are finding limits on the west end. Mackerel and chicken liver are both getting bites. One angler landed an absolute giant today... 25-pounder.

Crappie are still chewing on shiners and small jigs. Water temp is hovering at 74.

5 anglers found this report useful
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Excellent Catfish bite
Rainbow Trout, Catfish, Crappie
53°F

The bite at Lake Wohlford has been quite good, with crappie, trout, and catfish all on the chew. Crappie are stacking up near the West buoy line, hitting live shiners, with some slabs pushing close to 2 pounds (biggest reported was 2.9lbs). Oakvale cove has also been producing. Trout action got a boost with a fresh 700-pound plant from CDFW on...

The bite at Lake Wohlford has been quite good, with crappie, trout, and catfish all on the chew. Crappie are stacking up near the West buoy line, hitting live shiners, with some slabs pushing close to 2 pounds (biggest reported was 2.9lbs). Oakvale cove has also been producing. Trout action got a boost with a fresh 700-pound plant from CDFW on February 3, including some trophy-sized fish. Anglers are hooking up on inflated nightcrawlers and power worms (East Bouy line & Oakvale). Big catfish action remains very good with a couple of giants over 30 pounds yanked out last week from the west side on mackerel and dip baits.

10 anglers found this report useful
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Latest Stockings

Trout CDFW
1,500 pounds
Trout Local
Trout CDFW

Other Nearby Reports

Lake Perris is fishing best in the early morning before rising temps slow things down. Bass are keyed in on offshore structure... submerged humps, points, and standing timber...

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...

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Lake Wohlford Map

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