San Vicente Reservoir

San Vicente is a deep, steep-sided reservoir on San Vicente Creek, approximately 25 miles northeast of San Diego. San Vicente is on its summer schedule (May through closure date, probably early August). See the "What's New" page for current schedule.

Everyone (8 or older) entering reservoir property must pay the day use fee.

For construction schedules and information on the Emergency Storage Project and raising the height of the dam, please check the San Diego County Water Authority's web site at www.sdcwa.org and click on San Vicente Dam Raise.

Directions: Going north on Highway 67 turn right on Willow Road, turn left on Moreno Avenue, and follow signs to the entrance. Going south on Highway 67 turn left on Vigilante Road, turn left on Moreno Avenue and follow signs to the entrance. From the entrance it's about one mile to the launch area.

When full the reservoir has 1,069 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 190 feet, and 14 shoreline miles. Water levels are monitored daily.

There are two barbecues and six picnic tables in the vicinity of the concession. Patrons can bring self-contained barbecues for use in the picnic area 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, black crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, white catfish, and green sunfish. Minimum size limit for bass is 12 inches. Fish limits are five bass, five catfish, 25 crappie. There is no limit on bluegill or bullheads. Fish catch information is updated weekly. New State Record was set at San Vicente on March 12, 2000.

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 for $5.00.

There is no camping allowed at San Vicente. The nearest camping is at Lake Jennings County Park approximately 7 miles from San Vicente. For reservations at Lake Jennings call (858) 565-3600.

San Vicente offers waterskiing, wakeboarding, and towing inflatables, etc. Please check the "What's New" page for current schedule as this schedule can change depending on water levels and construction activities. Personal watercraft (jetskis, waverunners, etc.) are not permitted on San Vicente at any time.