Lower Otay Lake Fishing Overview

Lower Otay Lake, located in San Diego County, spans over 1,100 acres. Its shoreline stretches 25 miles and is dotted with a diverse array of structure, including tules, submerged trees, and drop-offs. This habitat sustains an elite fishery with giant fish, most notably largemouth bass, although big crappie, catfish, and sunfish thrive here as well. Trophy bass are a theme at Lower Otay, although they aren't easy to catch. The lake receives heavy fishing pressure throughout the year, especially during the spring and summer when the tournament...

Trophy bass are a theme at Lower Otay, although they aren't easy to catch. The lake receives heavy fishing pressure throughout the year, especially during the spring and summer when the tournament season arrives. Still, the lake is open only a few days a week, which helps alleviate some of this pressure.

Fishing from the shore of Lower Otay Lake can be challenging because most of the shoreline is bordered by tules. Boating is the recommended way to fish these waters. Visitors can bring their own boat or opt for rentals. The boat ramp, rental services, and other amenities are situated on the west shore, and there's a fee for day-use and launching.

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Species:

Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Blue Catfish, Bullhead

Forage / Baitfish:

Threadfin Shad, Crawfish, Golden Shiner

Structure / Terrain:

Submerged Trees, Tules

Trophy Fish:

Largemouth Bass: 18.75 lb (1980)
Blue Catfish: 102.9 lb (2016)
Channel Catfish: 34.43 lb (1983)
Crappie: 3.37 lb (1992)
Bluegill: 3.5 lb (1991)

Boating / Access:

Most boating allowed. Rentals available.

Geography:

Surface Elevation: 485 ft

Fishing Reports

Log Report

Lower Otay Lake

May 15

San Diego County

Public

Good Largemouth Bass bite

Largemouth Bass

78°F Slightly Stained

The bass fishing at Lower Otay has been quite good recently. Water temps have pushed into the high 70s, and the post-spawn lethargy is behind us... fish are lining up on points and transition spots, eating well on T-rigged worms and creature baits throughout the day. Mostly 1-2 pounders. The bite for better fish has been in the mornings, ripping chatterbaits along weedlines and through thicker cover (multiple 4 and 5 pounders caught this way). The frog bite is building too and should really heat up in the coming weeks.

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6 anglers found this report useful

Lower Otay Lake

Feb 14

San Diego County

Public

Excellent Bass bite

Largemouth Bass

64°F Slightly Stained

Lower Otay has been right in the middle of San Diego’s big bass run this month. With Jennings producing a 17-pounder, Otay answered with a recent 15-plus pound fish of its own. Unlike Jennings, Otay doesn’t have a major trout population, so big trout-pattern swimbaits are less effective. This giant was caught on a custom-painted glide bait, the...

Beyond the headline fish, bass action has been good, with fish moving toward spawning areas thanks to San Diego’s extended stretch of warm winter water. Jerkbaits and chatterbaits are picking off shallow prespawn fish, while others are finding success dragging jigs in deeper water.

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3 anglers found this report useful