Fishing at Chollas Park Lake in San Diego

Introductory Overview

Fishing at Chollas Park Lake, located within the Chollas Lake Recreation Center in San Diego, offers a peaceful and family-friendly fishing experience. This 16-acre freshwater lake, built in 1901 as a reservoir, has evolved into an urban oasis attracting anglers of all skill levels. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, it is stocked regularly with rainbow trout and catfish during fishing seasons, making it an ideal spot for recreational fishing. Designed solely for youth aged 15 and under, Chollas Park Lake is unique in its mission to introduce young anglers to the sport in a controlled, crowd-free environment.

### Adventure Guide to Fishing at Chollas Park Lake

Dedicated Youth Fishing Program
- What it’s about: At Chollas Park Lake, fishing is exclusively for youth (under 16), fostering a stress-free and engaging environment. This makes it a prime destination for parents wanting to teach their kids the basics of fishing.
- Key features: Stocked with rainbow trout in the winter and channel catfish in the summer, ensuring plenty of catches for beginners.
- Special note: Adult supervision is required for children participating in fishing.
Kid-Friendly Environment
- What makes it special: The lake includes well-maintained shorelines with designated fishing areas and accessible piers, ensuring kids can cast their lines easily.
- Features: Restrooms, picnic tables, and shaded areas provide comfort for families. A play area and walking trails nearby enhance the experience.
Seasonal Fishing Events
- What to know: The park regularly hosts fishing clinics, teaching young anglers about baiting, casting, and responsible fishing practices.
- Added perks: Often includes free equipment loan programs and bait, ensuring children are well-equipped.

Local Insights

Chollas Park Lake is a longstanding feature of San Diego’s community, prioritizing safe and accessible outdoor activities for kids. It reflects the region’s commitment to introducing younger generations to nature and conservation efforts.

Visitor Tips

Best Times: Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded.
What to Bring: Fishing rods, bait, sunscreen, hats, and snacks.
Directions: From central San Diego, take CA-94 E to College Grove Dr (about 15 minutes). Follow signs to Chollas Lake Park.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Charles Morehousea year ago

Its a good place to go walk, run, or eat or all three. Its also family oriented. I take my son there to look at the water fowl. He likes to see the turtles also. He can play on the playground also. There is also bbq pits there. Just a nice place to sort some things out.

Sandraa year ago

Great place to chill, hang out or get some exercise. The only thing that ruined it for me was that there was a sign that said gates close at 4:30pm. It was 4pm they started locking the gates so we all ran to get out before we got locked in. I recently learned that it used to be a landfill back in the day. It nice to see that they made something positive for the community by turning it into a lake.

A Ba year ago

Nice area for families to play or just walk about. On one side it has a pretty big area that I could imagine being utilized as a beer garden, if you add a few climbing tree stumps it would be the perfect hangout for families on a Sunday afternoon. The beer garden idea comes from the European in me, never waste a chance for a cool shaded area where your kids can play while I socialize with adults....

Joniene Swick8 months ago

Love this park. Can run around Lake and not on concrete. Families, people working out, dogs bbq, fishing. Playgrounds and workout equipment. This is what an urban park celebrating landscape should be. Bravo san diego.

Lydia Mendiolaa year ago

We've been coming here for decades! Walk around the Lake for exercise. Play area for Kids and Picnic fun!