Wohlford Lake - Escondido, CA

Lake Information

Fish Species: Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Common Carp, Blue Catfish, Bluegill
Wohlford Lake is a venerable fishery in Escondido, distinguished by its history of producing exceptional trophy fish, particularly largemouth bass and rainbow trout. Operational hours are seasonally adjusted, with extended access from mid-December through Labor Day, transitioning to weekend-only operations during the autumn and early winter. A valid California State Fishing License and a local park permit are requisite for all anglers aged 16 and older. The lake benefits from an active stocking program for rainbow trout, especially during cooler months, which contributes to its reputation for robust trout catches, including significant specimens weighing upwards of 8-10 pounds. Beyond the stocked trout, Wohlford Lake is highly regarded for its inherent population of largemouth bass, with documented catches of double-digit fish. Spring is conventionally considered the optimal period for targeting these trophy bass during their spawning and post-spawn periods. The reservoir also sustains substantial populations of channel and blue catfish, which exhibit heightened activity during warmer periods and respond well to traditional, scent-based baits. Crappie fishing is consistently productive, often achieved by locating schools or targeting areas of dense cover. Notably, private watercraft are prohibited to mitigate the risk of invasive species, however, convenient boat rentals are available, providing essential access to all areas of the lake. Wohlford Lake offers a comprehensive angling experience, blending consistent stocking with the potential for genuinely remarkable catches across multiple species.



Latest Photos

9 lbs. 10 oz.
Vince Catalanotto
7-10-2025
41 lbs. 3 oz.
Diallo Hardaway
7-10-2025
4 lbs. 2 oz.
7-8-2025
1 lbs. 6 oz.
Cary Kimura
7-7-2025

Wohlford Lake Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Blue Catfish 71 lbs. 3 oz. 12-30-2023 View Report
Blue Catfish 67 lbs. 6 oz. 3-28-2022 View Report
Blue Catfish 58 lbs. 6 oz. 1-12-2025 View Report
Blue Catfish 56 lbs. 11 oz. 3-23-2024 View Report
Blue Catfish 54 lbs. 13 oz. 6-13-2020 View Report
Blue Catfish 49 lbs. 8 oz. 12-12-2024 View Report
Blue Catfish 41 lbs. 3 oz. 7-10-2025 View Report
Blue Catfish 41 lbs. 2 oz. 11-02-2024 View Report
Blue Catfish 41 lbs. 1-24-2025 View Report
Blue Catfish 40 lbs. 2-16-2025 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
7-18-2025Blue CatfishWohlford Lake1000
5-12-2025Channel CatfishWohlford Lake750
4-22-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
4-07-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
4-07-2025Rainbow TroutWohlford Lake1500


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
7-10-2025 9.6 lb. Largemouth
Just this morning, Vince Catalanotto topped the leaderboard... more »
Wohlford Lake Staff
7-10-2025 New Leader for the July Whopper Contest! 
New Leader for the July Whopper Contest!  On Tuesday,... more »
Wohlford Lake Staff
7-8-2025 4.1 lb. Largemouth
The dynamic 8-year-old duo had an amazing time... more »
Wohlford Lake Staff
7-7-2025 1.4 lb. Crappie
Cary Kimura proudly displays her impressive 1.4 lbs.... more »
Wohlford Lake Staff
7-7-2025 20.1 lbs. Catfish!
Marco Guerrero is currently leading July's Whopper Contest... more »
Wohlford Lake Staff

Detailed Map