Lake Hodges? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

dsafety · 03-20-2011, 08:18 AM

I drove by Lake Hodges the other day and saw what looked like a feeding frenzy going on by the dam. The birds were working from the sky while the water was white and frothy from what appeared to be fish feeding from below. I have seen this many times in the ocean but never in a lake. I guess that means that there must be some fish in this lake.

Does anyone have recent experience fishing Lake Hodges in a kayak? I have never done it but am considering giving it a try soon. Anyone else interested?

I called city lakes and was told that Hodges is open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. It costs $2 to launch a kayak and $8 for a fishing permit.

Bob

deepdvr · 03-20-2011, 10:54 AM

Hodges is a very solid bass fishery. You witnessed a shad boil.

I yaked it a couple of times last season. No great numbers but solid fish.

Here's a healthy 2.5 lb Hodges bass from last spring.

The crappie are also super easy to target this time of year. I've had limits in the past. Crappie aren't nearly as tasty as WSB/YT but for a freshwater fish as good as it gets.

Riskey Water · 03-20-2011, 11:13 AM

I've caught bass up to 12 lbs ,a crappie that weighed in at just over 2 lbs and a turtle . I throw crocodile spoons through the boil .It's a fun lake ,good luck .

yellowtailslayer · 03-20-2011, 01:33 PM

ive gone there 4 times and each time was good, first time i got a few crappie, next time i got limits

. then i started targeting the bass, got tired of that and went back to the crappie. they are really fun on trout gear, let me no when you are thinking of going, i may just join you. if your interested in the tasty panfish i can pm you with what i have found to work really well.

Jimmyz123 · 03-20-2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsafety

I drove by Lake Hodges the other day and saw what looked like a feeding frenzy going on by the dam. The birds were working from the sky while the water was white and frothy from what appeared to be fish feeding from below. I have seen this many times in the ocean but never in a lake. I guess that means that there must be some fish in this lake.

Does anyone have recent experience fishing Lake Hodges in a kayak? I have never done it but am considering giving it a try soon. Anyone else interested?

I called city lakes and was told that Hodges is open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. It costs $2 to launch a kayak and $8 for a fishing permit.

Bob

I love to watch LMB roll on the shad. One time at Otay I watched a roll going on for almost 3 hours. The best part is, the bass that are rolling are usually big. I landed my first 5# LMB that day. Then the next week it was on again. 2 5#ers that day.

Hodges use to be one of the Best Bass lakes in San Diego. It's coming back up, but I don't think it will ever get back to the level it once was.

03-20-2011, 08:18 AM	#1
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,122	Lake Hodges? I drove by Lake Hodges the other day and saw what looked like a feeding frenzy going on by the dam. The birds were working from the sky while the water was white and frothy from what appeared to be fish feeding from below. I have seen this many times in the ocean but never in a lake. I guess that means that there must be some fish in this lake. Does anyone have recent experience fishing Lake Hodges in a kayak? I have never done it but am considering giving it a try soon. Anyone else interested? I called city lakes and was told that Hodges is open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. It costs $2 to launch a kayak and $8 for a fishing permit. Bob

03-20-2011, 01:33 PM	#4
yellowtailslayer Junior Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: temecula Posts: 16	ive gone there 4 times and each time was good, first time i got a few crappie, next time i got limits. then i started targeting the bass, got tired of that and went back to the crappie. they are really fun on trout gear, let me no when you are thinking of going, i may just join you. if your interested in the tasty panfish i can pm you with what i have found to work really well. __________________ shut up and fish }<))))0>

03-20-2011, 10:54 AM	#2
deepdvr Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 591	Hodges is a very solid bass fishery. You witnessed a shad boil. I yaked it a couple of times last season. No great numbers but solid fish. Here's a healthy 2.5 lb Hodges bass from last spring. The crappie are also super easy to target this time of year. I've had limits in the past. Crappie aren't nearly as tasty as WSB/YT but for a freshwater fish as good as it gets.

03-20-2011, 11:13 AM	#3
Riskey Water Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: On the water ofcourse Posts: 142	I've caught bass up to 12 lbs ,a crappie that weighed in at just over 2 lbs and a turtle . I throw crocodile spoons through the boil .It's a fun lake ,good luck .