The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
El Capitan Lake
San Diego County, California · about 880 acres (1.4 sq mi)
Level steady, windy Friday (15 mph SW).
About El Capitan Lake
El Capitan Lake spreads over about 880 acres in San Diego County, California.
It stretches about 4.2 miles end to end with roughly 11.9 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 680 ft above sea level. Alpine is about 3 miles south. The closest city is Santee, about 10 miles away.
- Size
- About 880 acres (1.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 11.9 miles
- End to end
- About 4.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 680 ft
- County
- San Diego County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 5:45 am – 7:00 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 4:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual California mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake.
- Largemouth bass
- Crappie
- Catfish
- Bluegill and sunfish
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
No clear reading right now. Narrow or small lakes often have none; the weather and bite times below still apply.
Water level
Steady over 7 days.
Latest reading .
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:16 am · sunset 4:46 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near El Capitan Lake
- Alpineabout 3 mi south
- Harbison Canyonabout 4.1 mi southwest
- San Diego Country Estatesabout 5 mi north
- Crestabout 6.2 mi southwest
- Santeenearest city, about 10 mi west
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Questions about El Capitan Lake
What fish are in El Capitan Lake?
Lakes like El Capitan Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is El Capitan Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is El Capitan Lake?
About 880 acres, with about 11.9 miles of shoreline.
What town is near El Capitan Lake?
Alpine is about 3 miles south; Harbison Canyon is about 4.1 miles southwest.
Is the water warm enough to swim in El Capitan Lake?
Check the water temperature on this page before you go: under 70°F feels cold to most swimmers, and under 60°F cold-water shock is a real risk.
El Capitan Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
