CONNECT with the CityLower Otay Reservoir
Hours of Operation
Lower Otay Reservoir is closed the second Wednesday of each month. More info about closure
Lower Otay will be closed on Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd, to all motorized boats due to the United States Rowing Regional Championship Regatta
Open
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
sunrise to sunset
Closed
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
Holiday Schedule:
OPEN - Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day
CLOSED - Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
Recreation
Water Activities, including:
- Boats
- Canoes and Kayaks
- Float Tubes
Water Fountain
Fishing
Leashed Dogs
Picnic Tables
Barbecue Areas
Charcoal and gas barbecues allowed in designated areas
Restrooms
No Stand Up Paddleboards
No Swimming
No Dogs Allowed on Boats
No Camping
No Ground Fires
No Glass Containers
No Littering
No Fish Cleaning Stations
Fishing
What you'll find here...
Largemouth Bass
Sunfish
Catfish
Crappie
Carp
Permits and Fees
A valid California Fishing License is required for anglers 16 years of age or older. California Department of Fish and Wildlife Freshwater Sport regulations and City regulations are strictly enforced.
Patrons can purchase permits from the electronic pay station or iron ranger box (envelope system). Permits purchased at Lower Otay can be used on the same day at Upper Otay as well, and vice versa.
CASH OR CHECK ONLY
| Fishing | |
| Adults | $11 per person |
| Youth (ages 8 to 15) Children 7 and under are free. | $4 per person |
| Seniors (age 65 and older) | $6 per person |
| Boating | |
Private Boating and Watercraft, including:
|
$11 per boat/craft $6 per craft |
| Boat and Kayak Rental Fees | |
Concessions
Concession facilitates may or may not be available. See Rocky Mountain Concession's website for its operating schedule.
About Lower Otay Reservoir
In 1897, the first Lower Otay Dam was completed by the Southern California Mountain Water Co. The Lower Otay Reservoir was connected to the City of San Diego's water system in 1906 via the Bonita Pipeline. Following heavy rains, the dam burst in 1916 and the Otay Valley was flooded. The dam was rebuilt in 1918 and renamed Savage Dam. When full, Lower Otay Reservoir has 1,100 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 137.5 feet, and 25 shoreline miles. Lower Otay Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 47,066.9 acre feet. Water levels are monitored weekly. The reservoir is the home of the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, a training site for United States Olympic Athletes for rowing sports.
Photo courtesy of SDFish.com