News Flash

Date: 1/9/2026

Park Hours: 6:00AM to 5:00PM 

Vehicles/persons in the park after hours subject to citation.

Updated Park hours are always visible on entrance sign.

Boats must return to dock by 4:00PM.

Last Plant: 1000lbs of Trout on Wednesday January 7^th   

Next Plant: 1000lbs of Trout on Wednesday January 14^th 

Water Temperature: At surface (readings taken on January 8^th):  58.64°F

                                        At 15 feet:   59°F

Dissolved Oxygen: At surface (readings taken on January 8^th): 10.82 mg/L

                                    At 15 feet: 10.62 mg/L

Water Level: Low (reading taken on January 8^th)

Water Clarity: Low 15’ (reading taken on January 8^th) 

Important Rules:

1. Daily fishing permits are required. They can be purchased from concession stand at Dixon Lake when fishing. Please have your permit with you at all times. All anglers are subject to Ranger permit checks while fishing. Pricing: Adults $10 (16 and older), Seniors $7 (over 60), Youth $7 (8-15)
   1. Second Rod purchase required for more than one fishing line in the water. Cost: $4
2. California State Fishing License is not valid nor required at Dixon Lake. 
3. No private watercraft of any kind are allowed. No swimming or wading is allowed as Dixon Lake is a drinking water source. 
4. Clean up your fishing line and save a life. Littering/failure to remove snagged and discarded fishing line is subject to citation. Littered fishing line results in a significant number of dead animals every year. 
5. Parking is free Monday-Friday. $5 on weekends and holidays. 

Trout (Limit 5 per person): Catches decreased during the rains likely due to runoff sediment clouding the visibility of the water. However, now that the rains are passing, clarity and catch is improving. Once caught, Trout cannot be returned to the water. These stocked fish often die when subject to catch and release. Trout season runs all the way to April with stocks every Wednesday! Catches so far have showcased beautiful, sizable lighting trout.

Where to Catch: The shoreline around Trout Cove and Whisker Bay are consistent hotspots. 

Best Bait: Power bait, nightcrawlers, salmon eggs

Catfish (Limit 5 per person): Catfish prefer feeding on organic matter at the bottom of the lake. Due to the current lower water level, catch is likely to go up as there will be less distance in between you and a big catfish. Catfish are nocturnal scavengers, so the best time for them is either early morning or around sunset, however good bait and patience can snag you a couple at any time of the day. Dixon Lake has produced some monster catfish, including a confirmed 69 pounder. 

Where to Catch: Out by the buoy line and Whisker Bay. 

Best Bait: Anything smelly such as mackerel or garlic shrimp. 

Largemouth Bass (Limit 2 per person, must be 12 inches minimum): Since the Trout stocks started, Bass have been more active. Largemouth Bass are ambush predators, meaning they like to hide in and around structures and heavily grown algae beds, waiting for a tasty snack to swim by before striking.

Where to Catch: Recently, piers 3 and 4.

Best Bait: Roboworms, senkos, dropshots

Bluegill (Limit 25 per person): This small fish is a great target for newer anglers. 

Where to Catch: Jack Creek Area nearby aquatic vegetation (tules).

Best Bait: Powerbait, freshwater shrimp

Recent Catches

If you have a big catch reach out to us!

Catfish: 

• Kirk and Barbara caught 10 catfish between them using shrimp near the buoy line with the biggest being 7lbs on 10-18-2025. 
• Raul Pizarro caught a whopping 62lbs Catfish at Whiskey Bay on 2/8/24. 

Bass: 

• Tom Bates caught a 15.25 inch 3 lb Bass on the left side of the buoy line on 8/13/2025. 
• David Contano 18 lbs 6/30/2020

Trout: 

• Kali Brian caught a 5.33lb Rainbow Trout with pink power bait on May 13^th 2025.
• Hugo Garcia caught a 13lbs Trout at Pier 1 on 3/30/23. 
• Jason, Kayden, Caleb, and Shaun Casison all together managed to catch 14 trout in Trout Cove on 12/13/23, an impressive family achievement! 

Discounts

Dixon Lake staff encourages anglers who qualify to take advantage of "Senior/Military Wednesdays." Senior citizens 60+ years of age as well as any military personnel are eligible to rent an all-day motor boat for $25.

 Contact Information

For more information on park rules, future stocking schedules, and other information, please call the Dixon Lake Ranger station at 760-839-4680 or visit https://www.escondido.gov/facilities/facility/details/Dixon-Lake-22. Dixon Lake can be found on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/dixonlakecitypark