Date:Monday, April 13, 2015
Park hours: 6:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Dock closes: 6:00 PM (Boats called in @ 6:00 PM)
Last Plant: Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Next Plant: Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Water Temperature: 63 degrees Water Level: Average


Dixon Lake trout fishing is off to a great start since the April 8 stocking of 3,000 lbs.

Dozens of limits were reported from anglers throughout the weekend, as well as reports of large trout being caught after the stocking.

Pier 1 remains the most popular fishing spot. Whisker Bay, Jack Creek Cove, and the buoy line have also been popular.

Mini jigs and night crawlers remain the most consistent bait. Garlic night crawlers have seen a surge in popularity. Many anglers report inflating the night crawlers with worm blowers to make the worms effective bait as well.

10 year old Anthony Najera of Escondido took the lead this week with the largest trout caught on April 10. Najera used a crappie jig on Pier 1 to reel in the 6 lb. 7 oz trout.

The catfish bite remains steady for those who choose to fish for them. Fresh shrimp and mackerel have been the most effective bait.

Bass season has begun with a rapid increase of large female bass caught. Spawning season has brought out double-digit bass multiple times this week.

Jake Weakley of Escondido brought in a 12 lb. bass on April 7 near the south shoreline.

Matt Bralla of San Diego also pulled in another large bass weighing 12.5 lbs. near Boat Dock Cove using a Castaic lure on April 8.

The frequency in appearance of these large bass has Dixon Lake Rangers hopeful for the 2015 season, which is already off to a great start.

Dixon Lake would like to remind the public that the bass population is completely independent, and practicing catch and release helps keep the population steady.

This week, Dixon Lake regular and bass fisherman Mike Dispensiero of San Marcos weighed in on the importance of catch and release.

"Tell anglers just how important it is to catch, photo, and especially release. Our bass population depends on how we respect our resource."

Weather and road conditions permitting, Dixon Lake should receive its next and last stock of 4,500 lbs. of trout on 4/22/15. The catfish season will begin Please call the ranger station at (760) 839-4345 for updates.

Dixon Lake staff encourages anglers who qualify to take advantage of "Senior/Military Wednesdays." Senior citizens 60 and older and military personnel are eligible to purchase $18 all day motor boats, and $12 all day row boats every Wednesday.

For more information on park rules, future trout stocking schedule, and other information, 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 need a daily fishing lake permit. A second rod permit can be purchased at the concession stand for a $2.00 fee. All other park rules, fishing regulations and City of Escondido municipal codes will remain in effect.