From the 805 take Telegraph Canyon Road exit east to Wueste Road south to the reservoir entrance. Nearest camping is Sweetwater Sumit County Park. Click here to see a map of the lake. General Info Upper Otay Reservoir has been closed to all fishing since it was established as a natural hatchery for the propagation and introduction of Florida-strain largemouth bass in 1959. Species of Fish Bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish.
Fishing is strictly catch and release for all species of fish.
Permits may be purchased at the Lower Otay Reservoir concession on all open days, or in advance at any San Diego City lake concession. State Fish and Game regulations require the use of barbless artificial lures exclusively, while fishing for all species of fish, and that all fish must be released immediately after capture. They may not be retained in any fashion, or for any purpose, even though it may be the angler's true intent to release them later. Further, fish caught elsewhere, such as the Upper Otay Afterbay or Lower Otay Reservoir, may not be in the possession of anyone at Upper Otay Reservoir. Boats are not permitted.