Date: 10/15/11
Park Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Daily) Starting 10/17/11
Boat Dock Closes: 5:30 PM (Boats are called in @ 5:15 PM)
Last Stock: August 11 (1,000 lbs. of Catfish)
Next Stock: November 2 (1500 lbs. of Rainbow Trout)
Water Temperature: 68-72 degrees

Dixon Lake has set the bar high for its new lake record for its crappie population. This species isn't widely known here at Dixon Lake as we haven't seen one caught in the last 10-15 years. There has always been a small population of this species of fish throughout the years here at Dixon, but really never have been fished for in the later years. Most people had thought that this species of fish was "fished out." Try fishing in the near the piers and areas that have structures as these fish seek some form of cover.

Dixon Lake catfish season has been for several months now. Last week, a trio of fisherman landed 6 nice catfish in the 2-4 pound range on cut mackerel. These fish were caught before 8 AM. After that the bite was very slow. The first early winter storm may have set thing in motion for the catfish to stir up the action enough to keep the bite going for a week or so. Best baits have been in the past are cut mackerel, shrimp and chicken livers.

Dixon Lake's last catfish stock was on August 11 with 1000 lbs. The next stock will be plated with 1500 lbs. of Nebraska "Tail walkers" trout on November 2 Start dusting off those trout rods...spool up that new 2-4 lb. test. The season will be around the corner before we known it. Also, mark your calendars as the Dixon Lake 33rd Annual Trout Derby will take place November 10-13 of 2011. Dixon Lake will stock 4500 pounds of Rainbow Trout before the derby. These fish usually are big lunkers with the brute of fish in the 6-8 and 8-12 pound range. For further information on the derby, rules and prizes call the Dixon Lake Ranger Station at 760-839-4680.

At the present time, Dixon Lake no longer requires a California fishing license from the Dept. of Fish & Game. Dixon Lake received and was granted an Aquaculture Permit. This permit is valid again for 2011. All anglers 8 yrs. and older will still need a daily fishing lake permit. All other park rules, fishing regulations and City of Escondido municipal codes will remain in effect until further notice other than no fishing license required.