CONNECT with the City
El Capitan Reservoir
NOTICE: The City is releasing water from El Capitan Reservoir in anticipation of the upcoming rain season. Residents downstream of the dam may notice flowing water in the area.
Hours of Operation
El Capitan Reservoir is closed the first Friday of each month. More info about closure
Open
Friday through Tuesday
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
Closed
Wednesday and Thursday
Holiday Schedule:
OPEN - Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day
CLOSED - Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Beginning August 1, 2019, El Capitan Reservoir will be closed the first Friday of each month. More info about closure
Winter Schedule
NOVEMBER - APRIL
Friday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
Fishing and general boating, no water contact activities.
Saturday
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
Fishing, general boating and water contact (water-skiing, wakeboarding, etc.)
Wednesday and Thursday
CLOSED
Summer Schedule
MAY - OCTOBER
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
Fishing, general boating and water contact (water-skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, etc.)
Monday and Tuesday
1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
Fishing and general boating, no water contact activities.
Wednesday and Thursday
CLOSED
Holiday Schedule:
OPEN - Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day
CLOSED - Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Recreation
Boating is allowed, including:
- Canoes
- Row boats
- Kayaks
- Float tubes
Fishing
Leashed Dogs
Picnic Tables
Barbecue Areas
Restrooms
Water contact is NOT allowed. This includes:
- Personal watercraft
- Waterskiing
- Wakeboarding
No Stand Up Paddleboards
No Swimming
No Wading
No Dogs Allowed on Boats
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Littering
No Fish Cleaning Stations
Permits and Fees
A valid California Fishing License is required for anglers 16 years of age or older. California Department of Fish and Wildlife Freshwater Sport regulations and City regulations are strictly enforced.
CASH OR CHECK ONLY
General Admission
Each person 8 years or older will be charged a general admission to enter the reservoir property, even if not fishing or skiing. General admission includes a fishing permit.
| Adults | $11 per person |
| Youth (ages 8 to 15) Children 7 and under are free. |
$4 per person |
| Seniors (age 65 and older) | $6 per person |
Additional Fees
|
Private Boat Launching
|
$11 per boat |
| Boat Rental Fees | |
Concessions
Concession facilitates may or may not be available. See Rocky Mountain Concession's website for its operating schedule.
About El Capitan Reservoir
El Capitan Reservoir was created in 1935 with the completion of El Capitan Dam. That same year, the reservoir was connected to the City's water system via El Capitan Pipeline. Located approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, on the San Diego River, El Capitan had the largest capacity in the City reservoir system until the San Vicente Dam Raise Project was completed in 2015. When full, the reservoir has 1,562 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 197 feet, and 22 miles of shoreline. El Capitan Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 112,806.9-acre feet.
Photo courtesy of SDFish.com