he Lake Hodges Reservoir is located approximately 31 miles north of San Diego, just south-west of Escondido and is on the San Dieguito River, which enters the Pacific Ocean at Del Mar, CA.

The Dam's history is related to the Santa Fe Railroad, a large land owner in the early 1900s and the need for irrigation in the area.

The reservoir's operating schedule is Friday, Saturday, Sunday and certain holidays from sunrise to sunset, from early March through late October.

Directions: From Interstate 15, exit on Via Rancho Parkway, go west to Lake Drive, then south on Lake Drive to the lake entrance which will be on your left. From the entrance it's about one mile to the concession/launch area.

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, sailing, board sailing, bike and horseback riding, and picnicking. The 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.

When full, the reservoir has 1,234 surface acres and 27 shoreline miles. Water levels are monitored weekly. The dam is located at latitude 33.0460°N, longitude 117.1280°W.

Part of the Lake area includes the San Dieguito River Park. Included in the Park are the Piedras Pintadas ("Painted Rocks"), a Native American cultural site and located on the south side of the Lake are trails with informative signs about the Kumeyaay Indians.

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 float tube, 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.

Concession services include outboard motor rentals and sale of State fishing licenses, permits, food, beverages, bait and tackle. For information on prices and/or services or to reserve a rental boat call the concessionaire at (619) 668-3274.

Overnight camping is not allowed at Lake Hodges. The nearest camping is at Lake Dixon, approximately 10 miles east of Escondido. For reservations call (760) 741-3328.

Hodges Reservoir allows windsurfing from mid-April to mid-October. From mid-April to mid-May, windsuring is permitted on Saturday and Sunday only, and certain holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From mid-May to mid-October, it is permitted on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, hours are the same.

There are plans to connect Lake Hodges with the new Olivenhain reservoir, adding significant emergency water storage capacity.