Lake Miramar, CA

Miramar Reservoir is owned, operated and maintained by the City of San Diego. Located in the Scripps Ranch community, the dam and reservoir were completed in 1960 as part of the second San Diego Aqueduct project. Water flowing south to the reservoir originates from both the Colorado River Aqueduct and the California Aqueduct. The reservoir is adjacent to the City's Miramar Water Treatment Plant, which serves the northern part of the City. When full, the reservoir has 162 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 114 feet, and 4 shoreline miles. Miramar Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 6,682.4 acre feet. Water levels are monitored weekly.

This reservoir is very popular for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading and picnicking. A paved service road encircles the reservoir, a distance of 4.92 miles. Vehicular traffic is permitted on this road Saturday through Tuesday only. There are 18 barbecues and 48 picnic tables located around the lake. Patrons can bring their own gas barbecues for use in designated areas 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. Overnight camping is not allowed at Miramar Reservoir.

Miramar's concession is open on Saturdays and Sundays only, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They are renting boats on a first come basis on those two days only, no reservations. They don't have California state fishing licenses for sale yet, but shortly they will. There is bait available - shiners, crawdads, nightcrawlers, meal worms and wax worms. Patrons can use credit cards for boat rentals and other purchases, but permits are cash only.

On days or times that the concession is closed patrons can purchase permits from the electronic pay station or the iron ranger box (envelope system). The reservoir has Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, sunfish, and trout (stocked December-March). Minimum size limit for bass is 12 inches. Fish limits are five trout, five bass, five catfish and 25 bluegill in aggregate, with no limit of other species. Anglers 16 years of age or older must have a California state fishing license. Fish catch information is updated weekly.