Fishing San Vicente Reservoir In Southern CA
AKA: San Vicente Lake
Popular Fish Species San Vicente Reservoir, CA
Largemouth Bass Fishing
San Vicente Reservoir is known as a big bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in San Vicente Reservoir. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on San Vicente Reservoir, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. Blue catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. San Vicente Reservoir has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill and redear sunfish at San Vicente Reservoir in California.
San Vicente Reservoir Fishing Video
Big, Florida strain largemouth bass, and lots of them, swim in the waters of San Vicente Reservoir, a 1,700 acre lake, located in the southwest corner of the state in San Diego County. In addition to great bass fishing, there is good fishing for crappie, catfish, stocked rainbow trout and sunfish.
San Vicente Reservoir, located in San Diego County, California, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The reservoir is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and diverse range of fish species. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
Largemouth bass fishing is particularly popular at San Vicente Reservoir. The reservoir is home to a healthy population of largemouth bass, known for their size and strong fight. Anglers can target these prized game fish using various techniques such as casting lures, flipping and pitching, or using live bait. Catching a trophy-sized largemouth bass is a real possibility at San Vicente Reservoir.
It's important to be aware of the local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary fishing licenses and permits before fishing at San Vicente Reservoir. It's also advisable to check the water conditions and any fishing restrictions or advisories that may be in place. Staying informed will help ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience.
San Vicente Reservoir in California offers anglers an exciting fishing experience with its diverse range of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Boating provides access to various fishing spots and enhances the overall fishing experience, while camping allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. Remember to check local fishing regulations, obtain the necessary licenses, and stay informed about water conditions to make the most of your fishing trip to San Vicente Reservoir.
This lake is ideally fished from a boat. Although there are fifteen miles of shoreline, fishing from the bank is pretty limited. Boating access for everything from kayaks and canoes, to power boats and pontoons, is via Lake San Vicente Boat Launch Facility on the southwest corner of the lake.
Primary fish species residing in San Vicente Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
San Vicente Reservoir Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a common activity at San Vicente Reservoir, as it provides anglers with access to different fishing areas and allows for better exploration of the lake. Anglers can bring their own boats or rent them from the marina. The reservoir offers boat launching ramps and a marina facility where visitors can rent various types of boats, including fishing boats, pontoon boats, and kayaks.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
San Vicente Boat Launching Facility
Located in the southwest corner of the lake, just west of the San Vincent Dam, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On San Vicente Reservoir
Andre Casey - Fishing Guide - bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a California fishing license.
Camping is available near San Vicente Reservoir, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to extend their fishing trip and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. There are designated camping areas with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, there are options available to suit different camping preferences.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lake Jennings Campground - 619 390-1623
Oakoasis County Preserve Campsite - 619 561-0580
Rancho Los Coches RV Park - 619 443-2025
San Vicente Reservoir CA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
San Vicente Reservoir
Lake San Vicente Boat Launch Facility
12375 Moreno Avenue
Lakeside, CA 92040
619 668-2050
Fishing lakes in each state.
102024
San Vicente Reservoir in Southern California.
CALIFORNIA
Fishing for Florida strain largemouth bass in southwest CA.
