Dixon Reservoir

The dam at Lake Dixon was completed in 1971 as the result of a water storage act passed almost a decade before. Since it's conception Dixon was intended for recreational use, as well, of course, as water storage. During the dams construction, the park surrounding the lake was developed into a recreation facility with picnic shelters, campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing floats and a concession stand. Fish were stocked in the reservoir 6 years before opening to the public.

Fishing

Dixon has proven to be an incubator for big bass as proven by local fishing celebrity Mike Long who caught a 20 lb. 12 oz. bass during April of 2001. Before this huge fish there were 5 other bass over 16 lbs. caught during spring 2001, 2 of which were over 17 lbs. This is not to mention many other `teen' sized bass from previous years. Despite the sheer numbers of large bass, Dixon has kept a low-profile on its bass fishery as San Diego has at least 6 other lakes that are better known for their bass fishing. Dixon is better known for it's winter trout fishing and summer nighttime catfishing which can both be phenomenal at times.

Lake Records

(Comming Soon!)

Facilities

Each campsite has either a view overlooking the lake, or overlooking the city of Escondido. There are 44 individual campsites nestled into the hills above the lake, each with a table, stove and food locker and nearby access to restrooms with showers (10 campsites have sewer, electrical and water hookups for motor homes and trailers). Reservations for camping and picnic shelters can be made Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., by calling (760) 741-3328. Walk-in reservations can be made at the Concession Building at Lake Dixon. Reservations will only be accepted with payment of all use fees and reservation fee. Reservation for campsites begins 2:00 p.m. on date desired and ends 12:00 noon (check-out time) on day of departure.

Hours, Fees

The park is open everyday from 6:00 AM to sunset year-around. Night fishing is available during the summer months when the lake is open until 11:45 PM (boats due back by 11pm.) Private boats, float tubes, and gas outboards are not permitted at the lake. Row boats, motorboats, and paddleboats are available for rent. You may bring your own electric motor and battery for use on a rowboat if you if you choose. Rental boats are of the 14 ft. aluminum Valco 3-bench variety. Anchors are cement filled coffee cans. Anglers are required to purchase a daily fishing permit, and posses a valid California State fishing license.

Directions

Dixon Lake is located in the avocado covered foothills one mile northeast of the City of Escondido, California. Take the 15 freeway to El Norte Pkwy exit in Escondido. Go east 4 miles to La Honda, and make a left (you'll probably see the sign for Dixon Lake before you see the sign for La Honda). Follow La Honda up the hill until you get to Dixon Lake.

Links

• City of Escondido, Lake Dixon Reservoir page
• Current Fish Report -
• Map to Lake Dixon
• Weather Forcast From Weather.com