Park hours: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Daily)
Night Fishing Hours: Park closes @11:45 PM (Thursday &Friday Nights Only)
Dock closes: 7:00 PM (Boats called in @ 6:45 PM) (Saturday to Wednesday)
Night Fishing Hours: 5:00 PM -10:45 PM (Thurs & Friday Nights Only)
Last Plant: July 24th (1000 lbs. of Channel Catfish)
Next Plant: July 31st (1000 lbs. of Channel Catfish)
Water Temperature: 76-78 degrees Water Level: steady


Dixon Lake's summer season is here...warm days and cool evening hours are the perfect time to a soak a line for the whisker fish.

Now get ready for the catfish season as we kicked off night fishing starting July 10th with the season opener. The lake has been stocked with 1000 pounds of catfish each week of night fishing season. Over 3000 pounds of channel cats have gone into the lake so far. As usual, best baits in the past have been cut mackerel, sardines, chicken livers and shrimp. Use 8-10 lb. test line and a sliding sinker for best results. Catfish stocked are in the 2-3 pound range with the bigger hold-over cats from past years.

Night fishing nights will be Thursday and Friday nights starting July 10th. Boat rental start at 5PM and must return to the dock by 10:45PM. Boats are called in at 10:30. Boat rentals are $30 for a motorboat and $14 for a rowboat. Shoreline fishing is available on a limited area of shoreline near the boat dock areas until 11:45 PM. Minors must be with a parent or guardian over the age of 18 for night fishing. No alcohol or smoking is permitted at any time anywhere at the lake. No day use of picnic areas or BBQ's are allowed. No gas or propane lanterns are allowed in boats. Battery operated lights or flashlights ARE allowed in the boats as we supply a safety orange running light for boats that must be on at all times. Permit prices are the same for night fishing. Next stocks for catfish will be back-to-back stocks on July 31st and Aug 7th with 1000 pounds each.

Bass activity has slowed down some after the spawn. Still may have a chance at a decent sized bass hanging around the shallows. Bluegill action is warming up with some up smaller sized fish off the piers near the weedy, covered areas of the lake. Try using Red worms or meal worm for the gills. Small crappie jigs usually fool the bigger bluegills.

For further night fishing regulations, park rules and stocking schedules please call the Dixon Lake Ranger Station at 760-839-4680 or visit http://www.dixonlake.com

At the present time, Dixon Lake no longer requires a California fishing license from the Dept. of Fish & Game. Dixon Lake has been granted an Aquaculture Permit. All anglers 8 yrs. and older will still need a daily fishing lake permit. A second rod permit can be purchased for a $2.00 fee at concessions All other park rules, fishing regulations and City of Escondido municipal codes will remain in effect.