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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lower Otay Reservoir
San Diego County, California · about 810 acres (1.3 sq mi)
Calm Sunday morning.
About Lower Otay Reservoir
In San Diego County, California, Lower Otay Reservoir covers about 810 acres.
From end to end it runs about 2.7 miles with roughly 9.3 miles of shoreline. At about 480 ft above sea level, it warms early in spring. Jamul lies about 5.7 miles to the northeast. The closest city is Chula Vista, about 9 miles away.
- Size
- About 810 acres (1.3 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 9.3 miles
- End to end
- About 2.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 480 ft
- County
- San Diego County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 5:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 10 mph
Sunday Good
- 5:45 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:45 pm – 5:30 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
5 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
No daily level reading for this lake.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:16 am · sunset 4:47 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lower Otay Reservoir
- Jamulabout 5.7 mi northeast
- La Presaabout 5.7 mi northwest
- Bonitaabout 5.8 mi west
- Rancho San Diegoabout 6.9 mi north
- Chula Vistanearest city, about 9 mi west
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Lower Otay Reservoir
What fish are in Lower Otay Reservoir?
Lakes like Lower Otay Reservoir usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill and sunfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Lower Otay Reservoir?
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 Lower Otay Reservoir?
About 810 acres, with about 9.3 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lower Otay Reservoir?
Jamul is about 5.7 miles northeast; La Presa is about 5.7 miles northwest.
Is the water warm enough to swim in Lower Otay Reservoir?
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.
Lower Otay Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
