CONNECT with the CityUpper Otay Reservoir
Hours of Operation
Upper Otay Reservoir is closed on the second Wednesday of each month. More info about closure
Open
The gates to Upper Otay Reservoir are open on a seasonal schedule from February through October (weather permitting).
Pedestrian access is allowed for fishing from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday on a year-round basis.
Closed
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Holiday Schedule:
OPEN -Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day
CLOSED -Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Recreation
Float Tubes
Restrooms
Fishing
Leashed Dogs
No Boating
No Camping
No Concessions
No Water Fountains
No Picnic Tables
No Barbecue Areas
No Glass Containers
No Littering
No Fish Cleaning Stations
Fishing
Fishing rules: (Why are there fishing rules?)
- Use artificial lures with barbless hooks only
- Catch and release only
What you'll find here...
Fish Conservation
These rules were designed primarily to protect the last significant population of northern-strain largemouth black bass in the area. In virtually all other waters in Southern California, these fish have been replaced by the Florida-strain version of largemouth black bass. Other species include bluegill, bullheads, and both white and black crappie. Threadfin shad and silverside minnows are the primary forage fish.
Largemouth Bass
Sunfish
Catfish
Crappie
Carp
Permits and Fees
Anglers 16 years of age or older must have a valid California fishing license. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife Freshwater Sport regulations and City regulations are strictly enforced.
Patrons can purchase permits at the Iron Ranger Pay Station. Permits purchased at Upper Otay can be used on the same day at Lower Otay as well, and vice versa.
CASH OR CHECK ONLY. Bring exact change.
| Fishing | |
| Adults (ages 16 to 65 years) | $11 per person |
| Youth (ages 8 to 15 years) Children 7 years and under are free. | $4 per person |
| Seniors (ages 65 years and older) | $6 per person |
About Upper Otay Reservoir
The smallest of the City of San Diego's impounding reservoirs, Upper Otay Reservoir was established in 1959 as a hatchery for the propagation and introduction of Florida-strain largemouth bass. Remarkably, 21 of the 25 largest bass in history were the progeny of the fingerlings used in that experiment. The reservoir has been open to the public since 1996. When full, Upper Otay Reservoir has 20 surface acres.
Photo courtesy of SDFish.com