LAKESIDE SAN DIEGO

Discover water fun beyond the coast

By Stacey Zable

San Diego may be best known for its beautiful beaches along the Pacific, but it is also home to 20 freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Explore beyond the coast and city with recreational opportunities on and off the lakeside waters. Check with each lake to ensure if swimming is permitted or fishing licenses are required. Top lake choices include:

LAKE CUYAMACA

Located an hour’s drive from San Diego in Julian, Lake Cuyamaca sits at an elevation of 4,600 feet. Mountains and pine trees provide the backdrop for adventures that include boating, birdwatching, and hiking. Freshwater and fly fishing in the lake features opportunities to catch Florida-strain largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill and sturgeon. Plus, the lake is stocked with some 45,000 pounds of trout each year. Camping and cabins for rent provide overnight accommodations. lakecuyamaca.net

LAKE JENNINGS

Escape to scenic Lake Jennings, which combines lakeside views with wooded areas surrounding it in Lakeside, East County. Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife. Paddleboat, rowboat or motorboat rentals are available. Fishermen will be thrilled by the nearly 30,000 pounds of stocked rainbow trout and channel catfish each year. Family fun for kids includes

Santee Lakes

Lake Jennings

ladder golf, foosball and a covered playground. Birders can spot herons, eagles, hawks, falcons and more. Hiking trails include a 5.5 mile loop around the lake. Campsites available. lakejennings.org

LAKE MURRAY

Only 20 minutes from downtown, Lake Murray is part of the 8,000-acre Mission Trails Regional Park. The lake draws hikers, runners and cyclists as well as birders looking to spot some of the 149 bird species. For those seeking time on the lake, rental boats, pedal boats and kayaks are at the ready. Fishermen can find Floridastrain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie and trout. Picnic and barbecue areas round out the lakeside fun. mtrp.org/lake-murray; sandiego.gov/ reservoirs-lakes/murray-reservoir

SANTEE LAKES RECREATION PRESERVE

This 194-acre park in East County just outside of San Diego is home to seven recycled water lakes. Celebrating over 60 years of operation, it offers more than five miles of trails for walking, biking and running. Birders will be delighted by the over 200 species of birds that flock to the reserve. The lakes are stocked year-round with fish, and visitors can explore the waters via pedal boat, rowboat or canoe rentals. Playgrounds add to the family fun. Camp out or book their lakefront or floating cabins with patios/decks, pedal boats, air conditioning/heat, flat screen TVs, bathrooms and kitchens. santeelakes.com

SAN VICENTE RESERVOIR

The largest reservoir in the city is San Vicente, located 25 miles northeast of downtown San Diego. A fisherman’s favorite, anglers can reel in crappie, sunfish, channel catfish and Florida-strain largemouth bass. Besides boating and kayaking, visitors can opt to waterski or go wakeboarding. Picnic tables and barbecues complete the day in the sun. sandiego.gov/ reservoirs-lakes/san-vicente-reservoir