Miramar Reservoir

City Steps up Inspection of Boats at Miramar Reservoir in Response to Increased Quagga Mussel Infestation (PDF: 34K)

Miramar Reservoir is located approximately 18 miles north of San Diego. The reservoir's normal operating schedule is seven days a week for general recreation (walking, picnicking, etc.) year-round, and fishing and boating (when water level allows) also seven days a week year round. Rental boats are only available Saturday and Sunday. See the "What's New" page for current schedule.

Directions: From Interstate 15, go east on Mira Mesa Boulevard, turn south on Scripps Ranch Boulevard, then east on Scripps Lake Drive.

Trails: This lake is very popular for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading, and picnicking. Patrons can once again walk on the paved road completely around the lake, a distance of 4.92 miles. Vehicular traffic is permitted on this road on Saturday through Tuesday only.

When full, the reservoir has 162 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 114 feet, and 4 shoreline miles. Water levels are monitored weekly.

There are 18 barbecues and 48 picnic tables located around the lake. Patrons can bring their own barbecues for use in designated areas only. No ground fires or glass containers are allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and at least 50 feet away from the water. Dogs are not allowed on boats (private or rental).

Reservoir has Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, sunfish, and trout (stocked December-March). Minimum size limit for bass is 12 inches. Fish limits are five trout, five bass, five catfish and 25 crappie, with no limit of other species. Fish catch information is updated weekly.

In addition to fishing from boats, patrons can float tube or fish from shore. Use of float tubes is restricted to within 150 feet or less from shore. Float tubers must wear chest waders and have a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device readily available at all times, and have 144 square inches of international orange visible at least 12 inches above the water line. They must also possess a horn or whistle to warn approaching craft. Any float tube that uses oars or has a motor must purchase a private boat use permit.

Miramar is no longer renting boats of any kind.

Overnight camping is not allowed at Lake Miramar. The nearest camping is at Lake Dixon about 25 miles from the lake.