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El Capitan Reservoir
[Information Updated - July 14, 2010]
The El Capitan Reservoir was created in 1935 with the completion of the El Capitan Dam. That same year the reservoir was connected to the City's water system via the El Capitan Pipeline. Located approximately 30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego, on the San Diego River, El Capitan has the largest capacity in the City reservoir system. When full, the reservoir has 1,562 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 197 feet, and 22 miles of shoreline. El Capitan Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 112,806.9 acre feet. Water levels are monitored weekly.
All persons (ages 8 or older) entering reservoir property will be charged daily use fees. The recreation area has three barbecues and eight picnic tables. Patrons can bring self-contained gas barbecues for use in the picnic area 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 any boats. There is no camping allowed at El Capitan.
Fishing
The reservoir is stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, blue catfish, green sunfish, and carp. Minimum size limit for bass is 15 inches and 10 inches for crappie. Fish limits are five bass, five catfish, 25 crappie and bluegill in aggregate, with no limit on other species. Patrons must bring their state fishing license, bait and all food and drink with them. On-site staff sells all permits, plus there is an electronic pay station and an iron ranger pay station where patrons can purchase permits. Anglers 16 years of age or older must have a California state fishing license. State fishing licenses are not available at El Capitan. Fish catch information is updated weekly.
Water Craft
In addition to fishing from boats, patrons can use float tubes, waders, or simply fish from shore, although there are only about four miles of shoreline that are reasonably 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. The lake has rowboats and boats and motors available to rent. To reserve all day motorboats, call 619-668-3274, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other boats are available on a first come basis. Rental boats are available on Saturday and Sunday only and there are no rentals from June through August.
El Capitan allows waterskiing, wakeboarding and use of personal watercraft, such as jet skis. Paddleboards are not permitted at any time. Use of personal watercraft is only permitted in the personal watercraft zone next to the dam except when towing someone. El Capitan allows three-person personal watercraft (jet skis) to tow skiers or inflatables in the water-ski zone. Because of the high water level covering lower parking lot the number of boats and jetskis allowed on the lake at one time has been lowered to 100.
More Information
Check "What's New" for current schedule.
Directions to El Capitan Reservoir.
City Lakes Recreation Program: 619-465-3474
[Information Updated - July 14, 2010]
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