Lake Wohlford
San Diego County, CA Bass, Trout, Crappie, Catfish, Sunfish
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Fishing at Lake Wohlford

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...

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
Fish Stocking:
Catfish stocked 3 weeks 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

Latest Fishing Reports

Catfish stocks have begun at Wohlford, and there's plenty of fish to go around. Chicken liver or prawns thrown in shallow areas near Boat Dock Cove have produced consistent stocker bites. Be ready for a bite from one of the many trophy cats that lurk Wohlford. The water is warming, and bass are...

Catfish stocks have begun at Wohlford, and there's plenty of fish to go around. Chicken liver or prawns thrown in shallow areas near Boat Dock Cove have produced consistent stocker bites. Be ready for a bite from one of the many trophy cats that lurk Wohlford.

The water is warming, and bass are feeling the heat. Morning and evenings have been best (topwater and swimbaits), while midday slows down. Many fish move deeper as the sun peaks, heading towards cooler water (try drop-shotting).

Bass, Catfish
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The season's last trout stock was April 14th, but the bite never sparked due to the occasional storm. Now that the weather has been more consistent, trout action is improving. Nightcrawlers and Powerbait have been the ticket, with an 8-pounder being the biggest in April. As mentioned, trout plants...

The season's last trout stock was April 14th, but the bite never sparked due to the occasional storm. Now that the weather has been more consistent, trout action is improving. Nightcrawlers and Powerbait have been the ticket, with an 8-pounder being the biggest in April. As mentioned, trout plants are done for the season, but look for a catfish plant the week of May 5.

Water temps are in the high 60s and many bass are either bedded or easing into post-spawn. A 7.7-pounder was caught in April, but the May bite has been slower. Sight fishing for bedded fish and targeting bass protecting their fry has been best.

The water level is low, and private boats are currently banned. Rentals are available.

Trout, Bass, Catfish
68°F
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Latest Stockings

Catfish Lake Wohlford
Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW

Other Nearby Reports

After a strong bite for good-sized largemouth chasing shad in late-May/early-June, the action has slowed. Anglers are still finding strikes, but there is no day-to-day...

Another late-season trout stock the week of June 9th has reinvigorated the trout bite. However, due to warming water and significant algae growth, these fish are seeking the...

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Lake Wohlford Map

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