How to get there: Lake is at 6350 College Grove Drive, San Diego, CA 92115 if you're using Mapquest. From I-805 take the Highway 94 exit and exit Highway 94 at Broadway/College Avenue. Turn right on College Avenue and then left on College Grove Drive. The entrance is on the right, just past College Grove Way. The park is accessible by bus via San Diego Mass Transit System routes 5, 856, 916, 936.
Schedule: Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Recreation Center is open 6:30 a.m. to a half hour before sunset. North Chollas Canyon closes one hour before sunset. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Fish species: Largemouth bass, trout (stocked in the fall, winter and spring) channel catfish, bluegill, carp.
Special regulations: No one over 15 is permitted to fish. One pole per fisherman. Do not cast in the vicinity of ducks, other people or from the pier. Fish must be taken with single hook and line, not by net, spear, or hand. Snagging of fish prohibited (fish must take bait in mouth). No fish or part of fish caught in lake may be used as bait. Each angler must have his own stringer. If more than one angler's fish is on a stringer, all fish will be let loose. Fish may not be sold, traded, or given away. All state fish and game regulations strictly enforced, especially size and limits. Do not enter the water or climb on any rocks while fishing. Limits: bass, 5 (must be 14 inches long); bluegill and sunfish (must be 5 inches long), 10; catfish 10; trout 2.
Other activities and facilities: Dirt path (.8-mile) rims the lake and is a favorite for walkers, joggers, bicyclists. There are 50 picnic tables and 25 barbecue grills; children's play equipment; a small basketball court; hiking trails; and a multipurpose ball field in North Chollas Canyon. Horseshoe pit. Picnic shelters and athletic fields available, but must be reserved. Amphitheater for programs. The Group Area, Picnic Shelter, John's Lake Vista and Youth Camping Area must be reserved in advance. School, church, scouts, and other youth activity groups may apply for special group use for educational and/or recreational field trips. Call (619) 527-7683.
Park programs: Walking For Fitness, free, Monday through Friday, 6.30 a.m.; Reading with the Ranger, for children ages 5-10 on the first Saturday of each month at 2 p.m.; Nature walk, third Saturday of the month at 2 p.m.; Community Volunteer Day, third Thursday of the month, 10 a.m.; Fishing Clinic, Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the San Diego Fly Fishers; Summer Day Camp, Winter and Spring Day Camp if weather permits. Caroling Around the Lake, annual Spring Egg Hunt, annual STAR/PAL Fishing Derby. For more information or reservations, call (619) 527-7683 or www.sandiego.gov.
Critters: Lots of ducks, coots and even geese that found a home here. Squirrels, rabbits, hawks.
Concessions: Light snacks and cold drinks may be purchased at the office. Duck and squirrel feed also sold. Bait, tackle, and other picnic or fishing supplies should be purchased before your visit. On Sundays, some loaner fishing gear and bait available at the Lend-A-Rod Station from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., courtesy of the San Diego Fly Fishers. Don's Bait and Tackle at 6407 Imperial Avenue has great selection of bait and tackle.
Access: Open to kids 15 and under, shoreline fishing only. Good shoreline access
Permits: Free to youngsters 15 and under. Adults may not fish.
Restrictions: No swimming or wading at any time. Do not throw rocks or sticks at ducks or anything else. Keep pets on a leash and under control at all times. Clean up after your pet. Fires permitted in barbecues only (no open fires anywhere). Keep the park clean; stash your trash. Do not climb or carve on trees. Protect all wildlife and vegetation.
Boat rentals: None.
Camping: None. But there are day camps. Next one is a Winter Day Camp from Dec. 31 through Jan. 4 (with no camp Jan. 1). Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost is $90 for regular hours; $105 for extended hours; $30 daily drop-in: $40 extended drop-in. Registration is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Dec. 30 on Saturdays and Sundays only. For weekday registration, call (619) 527-7683 for an appointment. For more information, call (619) 427-2262.
Volunteers: Volunteer group meets monthly every third Thursday for Community Volunteer Day. Meetings go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Meet at the lake parking lot below the restrooms. Possible projects include painting over graffiti and removal of non native plants. Contact the Chollas Lake Park Rangers at (619) 235-5910.
Information: (619) 527-7683
– ED ZIERALSKI
