Lake Size: 1,234 Surface Acres Shoreline Length (Miles): 27 miles of shoreline Deepest Depth: 115 feet Latitude: 33.0450 Longitude: -117.128611 Lake Level Above Sea Level: 220 feet Counties: San Diego County Cities: Escondido,Rancho Santa Fe Lake Management: US Army Corps of Engineers
Information: Lake Paul Hodges, or Paul Hodges Reservoir, is a reservoir/lake located in Southern California, about 31 miles North of San Diego in the south-western portion of Escondido, California. When full, the reservoir has 1,234 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 115 feet, and 27 miles of shoreline. Interstate 15 crosses Lake Hodges via the Lake Hodges Bridge, which is the only inland way to San Diego. Approximately 1000 feet west of the I-15 freeway bridge there is a bicycle/pedestrian bridge which opened on May 15, 2009 and is the longest stressed ribbon bridge in the world.
Boating
Fishing
Business
Located in a coastal canyon, Lake Hodges offers an environment that serves as a pleasant backdrop to a variety of recreational uses, including fishing, boating, bike and horseback riding, and picnicking.
Trails: The dirt hiking and riding trails around much of the lake wind through ever-changing terrain and biological settings which include streams, lush river valleys, canopied oak forests, arid rocky terrain and open fields. The topography changes from elevated vistas to marsh-like wetlands. There are accessible staging areas at five locations along the seven mile primary route. For more information on Hodges trails, check "San Dieguito River Park"
When full, the reservoir has 1,234 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 115 feet, and 27 shoreline miles. Water levels are monitored weekly.
There are six barbecues and 12 picnic tables in the picnic area. Patrons can bring self-contained barbecues for use in designated areas only. No ground fires or glass containers are allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and at least 50 feet away from the water. Dogs are not allowed on boats (private or rental).
The fishery consists of Florida-strain largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, bullhead and carp. Minimum size limit for bass is 15 inches. Fish limits are five bass, five catfish and 25 crappie, with no limit on bluegill, bullheads or carp. Fish catch information is updated weekly.
In addition to fishing from boats and a wheelchair accessible fishing float, patrons can fish from float tubes, wade or fish from the shore, which is generally readily accessible by foot.
Use of float tubes is restricted to within 150 feet or less from shore. Float tubers must wear chest waders and have a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device readily available at all times, and have 144 square inches of international orange visible at least 12 inches above the water line. They must also possess a horn or whistle to warn approaching craft. Any float tube that uses oars or has a motor must purchase a private boat use permit.
Overnight camping is not allowed at Lake Hodges. The nearest camping is at Lake Dixon, approximately 10 miles east of Escondido.
Lake Hodges is located in a beautiful coastal canyon in Del Mar. Fed by the San Dieguito river and surrounded by protected habitats, creates a peacefull setting for all anglers.
In 1918, the famous Bent Bros. of Los Angles completed the Lake Hodges Dam. The City of San Diego bought Lake Hodges Dam for half of a million dollars in 1925. This mysterious lake has a special fable to tell. It is said that Lake Hodges holds a creature in the belly of its depths. Something that might be a cousin to Nessy, the Loc~ness Monster! Residents call this creature Hodgee after the lake. In 1929, San Diego Mayor Harry C. Clark hired the University of California and their Scripps Institute of Oceanography to investigate the allogations claimed by the residents. It was deemed, in 1932, inconclusive and the project stopped. Actually the project was shut down due to using sea lions as bait.
Lake Hodges is known for its Largemouth Bass. Very few lakes can claim a 20+ lb fish. Lake Hodges is also a great place for catching Crappies. Other fish you can find are Bluegill, Bullhead, Carp, and Channel Catfish.
Use the map tools to zoom in or out to get a better lake view. Be the first to list a property at this lake. Sign up or log in then 'Contact Us' with the lake name and your user id for a free listing. Please check back soon!
