Poaching at Hodges was Hot

By Ron Kennedy
T-A Sports Writer

Sept 20, 1979

LAKE HODGES -- Boats skim across the water, their pilots headed for favorite fishing spots. Anglers line the shore, or wade into the cool blue water to try to cast line and hook in anticipation of catching the elusive fish.

It's done in the light of the day, for everyone to see.

Having been open for fishing the past two years, Lake Hodges caters to fish-hungry anglers around San Diego County and beyond. Prior to it's opening, the peaceful lake still catered to fishermen -- illegal ones.

Lake Hodges was closed to fishermen for 18 years, but the rural setting -- and the chance to get away from the bustling cities -- was too much a temptation for some anglers.

There were many people, this reporter included, who hopped fences, ducked headlights in the night and kept a close watch for the caretaker -- all the while fishing the calm waters that were popular for fishing in the 1920's.

Everyone had their favorite spot. Some were more brave than others, venturing out in broad daylight to do their poaching. Most waited for nightfall or daybreak to fish.

At one time, the lake was in jeopardy of drying up completely, but rains during 1971 helped extend the waters back toward Interstate 15. Prior to that, if you wanted to fish, you had to park along Lake Drive in Del Dios or along Del Dios Highway.

For those who parked along Del Dios Highway, there was only one way down to the lake -- along a narrow path that lead to the spillway of the dam. It was the easiest spot to get caught, but it was also the best fishing.

Anyplace along Lake Drive was good enough, but that fishing had to take place under the light of the moon or just before sunrise. Anglers fishing those spots were too easily spotted from the road.

When the waters began to move back, away from the community of Del Dios, small inlets afforded better protection from being seen. Traveling along Via Rancho Parkway, it was easy enough to turn on Via Loma Vista and head down a small mountainside to do some fishing.

Actually, fishing might not be the right word. The fish were so hungry, a bare hook would suffice. Bass were the most common catch.

It didn't take long to fill a stringer and head back home.

The lake had catfish too. They were just a bit more wiley than the bass. But, catches of five pounds or more were not uncommon among those who admitted to fishing the lake.

Fishing for catfish back then led to the telling of tall tails -- every fisherman's joy. The catfish of Lake Hodges were supposed to be a hardy breed indeed, hardened by having to live in the mud when the lake had nearly dried up.

Not only were the 'cats' hardened, but they were big -- some upwards of 100 pounds depending on how many versions of the story you heard.

But, the mystery cats couldn't be caught with conventional fishing gear. Oh no. The ideal setup was a strong chain, coupled with a towing hitch which was baited with a large portion of beef. Just anchor it, throw it out into the deepest portion of the lake and wait until morning to pull in the biggest, meanest fish ever conceived.

There was plenty talk of doing this. It probably would have taken at least six able-bodied men to pull in the monster.

It never happened though. It seems that it was more fun to talk of the deed than actually doing it. The mystery would have been gone if the catfish never appeared.

When the lake was finally reopened for legal fishing, there was quite a stir. Campers, motor homes and every other type of vehicle capable of transporting a fisherman, lined Del Dios Highway for the opening day.

However, there were those who were saddened by the opening. It may sound terrible, but the challenge of having to sneak in to fish was gone. The fantasy of being Tom Sawyer vanished, and with it, the stories, of midnight excursions, early morning limits and giant catfish.

The fishing is better than ever, but they just don't cook up as well as they used to.