Lake Murray, CA

The City of San Diego took over operation of the Murray Reservoir in 1950 from the Helix Irrigation District. The City purchased the reservoir from Helix 10 years later. Murray Reservoir is located within the boundary of the City's Mission Trails Regional Park. When full, the reservoir has 171.1 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 95 feet, and 3.2 shoreline miles. Murray Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 4,684.2 acre feet. Water levels are monitored weekly.

This lake is very popular for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading, and picnicking. Patrons can walk on paved road only as far as the dam gate (approximately 3.2 miles) and then must return, making it a 6.4-mile round trip. There are 10 barbecues and 64 picnic tables located around the lake. Patrons can bring their own 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. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited at Murray. Overnight camping is not allowed at Murray Reservoir.

Murray's concession is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They are renting boats on a first come basis on those three 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 iron ranger boxes (envelope system) at the lake. The reservoir is stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie and trout. Minimum size limit for bass is 12 inches. Fish limits are five trout, five bass, five catfish and 25 crappie and bluegill in aggregate, with no limit on other species. Anglers 16 years of age or older must have a California state fishing license. Fish catch information is updated weekly.