We open 30 minutes before sunrise and close 1 hour before sunset for boat rentals. The reservoir is formed by impounding the waters of the Otay River, behind Savage Dam, completed in 1918, and is the terminus for the Second San Diego Aqueduct. When full, Lower Otay Reservoir has 1,100 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 137.5 feet, and 25 shoreline miles. Lower Otay Reservoir is owned by the C
ity of San Diego and is the home of the United States Olympic Training center for rowing sports. Lower Otay's picnic area has 13 barbecues and 16 picnic tables. Visitors can bring self contained gas barbecues for use in designated areas only. Ground fires, glass containers and camping are not allowed at the park. FISHING
Lower Otay is open for fishing and boating sunrise to sunset Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday all year around. It has largemouth bass, bluegill, black and white crappie, channel catfish, blue catfish, white catfish and bullhead. Department of Fish & Game stock trout November thru March. The minimum size limit for bass is 12 inches. Fish limits are five bass, five catfish, five trout, and 25 crappie and bluegill in aggregate, with no limit on other species. Fishing permits are available at the concession, cash only and at the Iron Ranger pay stations (exact change required). You must be have a California State Fishing license if you are 16 years of age or older. CONCESSION
Lower Otay's concession is open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday's only, from 6:00 a.m. The store carries live bait, ice cream, picnic supplies, soft drinks, snacks, and fishing tackle. You can also purchase fishing permits and California State fishing licenses. Boat rentals are available on a first come basis. BOATING
Rental rowboats, motorboats, and kayaks are available, for fishing and recreational boating, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sundays, all year. Private boaters are welcome and pay a small launch ramp usage fee. Canoes, kayaks and float tubes are permitted. Float tubers must follow standard regulations which include waterproof waders, 144 sq. orange for visibility, horn or whistle and spare floatation device. Any float tube that uses oars or has a motor must purchase a private boat use permit. No swimming is allowed. BOAT RENTALS
Drivers License and Deposit are required on all boats. $10 Late Fee applies to all boats returned after time due back. All boats are rented on a first come basis. PETS
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and at least 50 feet away from the water. Dogs are NOT allowed on boats. DIRECTIONS
From Interstate 805, take Olympic Parkway, exit east. Turn right on Wueste Road south and continue to the reservoir entrance.