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▶️ Lake Wohlford Ca Trout Fishing | Mini Jigs | Drop Shot | Golden State Fishing | Escondido Ca 🎣 🐟
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Wrong at the Right Time?! Exploring Lake Wohlford Escondido for the First Time!

Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Wohlford Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟

YouTube video
Fishing at Lake Wohlford and Sweetwater in CA

Wohlford Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟, in Escondido, California, is a fantastic spot for fishing and outdoor fun. This beautiful lake is well-stocked with fish like trout, bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a favorite for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer fishing from the shore or a boat, Wohlford Lake has plenty of great spots to cast your line. Boat rentals are available, so you can easily explore the lake and find the perfect fishing spot. The peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by trees and hills, makes it a great place to relax and enjoy nature. There are also picnic areas where you can take a break and enjoy lunch by the water. Friendly staff and well-maintained facilities make Wohlford Lake a welcoming destination. Whether you’re fishing or just soaking in the scenery, it’s a wonderful place for a fun day outdoors! 🎣 🐟

Lake Details

Wohlford Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟 Highlights 🎣 🐟 :

  • Fish Species: Anglers can target a variety of species, including largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, blue catfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout. The lake is known for producing trophy-sized fish, such as a 41.1-pound catfish caught in November 2024.
  • Fishing Seasons and Stocking: The lake is open seven days a week from mid-December through Labor Day weekend in September, and on weekends only from Labor Day until mid-December. Fishing hours are from 6:00 a.m. to dusk. The lake is regularly stocked with channel catfish during the summer months and rainbow trout in the winter, enhancing fishing opportunities.
  • Permits and Fees: A State of California Fishing License is required for all persons aged 16 and older. Daily fishing permits are available for purchase at the Ranger Station, with fees as follows: Adults (16 years and older) – $9; Seniors (over 60 years) – $6; Youth (8 to 15 years) – $6. Children under 8 years fish for free, but any fish caught count against the accompanying adult’s limit.
  • Boating Regulations: To protect the lake from invasive Quagga mussels, there is a ban on private watercraft and equipment that could have been exposed to mussels. Restricted equipment includes private boats, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders, anchors, and other equipment that contacts the water. Boat rentals are available at the lake, with motorboats and rowboats offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Fishing Contests: Lake Wohlford hosts a monthly “Whopper Contest,” awarding free fishing and boating permits to anglers who catch the largest fish in four categories. Contest winners must legally catch their fish at Lake Wohlford and have it weighed in by a Wohlford Ranger on the official scale.

Top Fish at Wohlford Lake 🐟

Largemouth Bass Fishing Guide

Largemouth Bass

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Rainbow Trout

Bluegill Fishing Guide

Bluegill

Channel Catfish Fishing Guide

Channel Catfish

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Lake Wohlford
  • Address:
    25453 Lake Wohlford Road Escondido, CA 92025
  • County: San Diego County
  • Hours:
  • Sunrise to sunset
  • Website:
  • Escondido.gov
  • Fishing Information
  • Fishing Map
  • Fishing License: Required for persons 16 years and older.

Lake Amenities

  • Barbecues
  • Fishing
  • Parking
  • Picnic Areas
  • Restrooms
  • Trails
  • Water
  • Boat rentals

Nearby Lakes

Fish Types

Bass Fishing

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bass:
    Fishing along the shoreline and inlets is great for catching Bass. Look for spots with vegetation, fallen branches, and rocks where these fish like to hide.
  • Bass Fishing Tips:
    Bass thrive in warmer waters and are most active during the spring and summer
  • Baits: Live shad, crayfish, and plastic worms
  • Lures: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 8-12 lb test line

Baits & Lures

TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Soft Fishing Lures

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Gary Yamamoto Senko Soft Plastic Worms

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SteelShad Lipless Crankbait

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TRUSCEND Swimming Jigging Fishing Spinners

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Bass Drop Shot Rigs

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Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Rainbow Trout:
    Center of the lake offers deeper, cooler waters in the center of the lake are ideal for catching Rainbow Trout. You can reach these areas by casting from the fishing docks or using a small boat if allowed.
  • Rainbow Trout Fishing Tips:
    Suspend these baits on the right at different depths with a bobber.
  • Baits: PowerBait, worms, and small minnows
  • Lures: Spinners, spoons, and small jigs
  • Tackle: Light to medium spinning gear with 4-6 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Berkley Gulp! Corn

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Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

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Pautzke Balls O’ Fire Salmon Eggs

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Berkley PowerBait Natural Cheese Scent

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Berkley Gulp! Trout Nuggets Dough Bait

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Bluegill Fishing

Bluegill Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bluegill:
    Bluegill are commonly found in the shallow areas of the lake, especially around docks and vegetation.
  • Bluegil Fishing Tips:
    They are active throughout the day, particularly in the summer.
  • Baits: Worms, crickets, and small pieces of bread
  • Lures: Tiny jigs and small spinners
  • Tackle: Ultra-light spinning gear with 2-4 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Berkley Powerbait Panfish Nibbles Fishing Bait

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Berkley Gulp! Maggot 

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Berkley Gulp! Killer Crawler Fishing Soft Bait

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Berkley Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

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YUM Ribbontail Grub Curly Tail Swim Fishing Lure

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CatFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Catfish:
    Channel Catfish are bottom dwellers and can be found in the deeper, murkier parts of the lake.
  • Catfish Fishing Tips:
    Catfish are popular among night anglers. They are most active after sunset.
  • Baits: Stink bait, chicken liver, and cut bait
  • Lures: Not commonly used, as they prefer natural baits
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 12-20 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Wild Cat Pre-Molded Catfish Bait

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Catfish Charlie Dip Bait Cheese

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Wild Cat Blood Dip Bait

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Berkley PowerBait Catfish Bait Chunks Fishing Dough

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Pro-Cure Catfish Magic Chicken Liver Cure

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Gear & Tackle

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

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ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

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PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

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Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

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KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

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KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

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Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

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KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

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Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

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TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

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TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

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Booms Fishing R2 Hook Remover Squeeze

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iBobber portable fish depth finder

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Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

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HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

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Shakespeare Catch More Fish Panfish Tackle Box Kit

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Shakespeare Catch More Fish Catfish Tackle Box Kit

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PLUSINNO Bass Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

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PLUSINNO Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

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Crappie Magnet Tackle Pack Kit

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TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Harmony Fishing Bass Razor Weedless Hooks

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Panfish Magnet Kit

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Fishing Hooks Bobbers Freshwater Tackle Kit

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PLUSINNO 264/397pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

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Eagle Claw Trout Fishing Kit

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Shakespeare Kids Hide-A-Hook Bobber

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Smaky Fishing Tackle Kit

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HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

Directions

FAQs

Wohlford Lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and trout (seasonally stocked during the cooler months). It’s a popular destination for anglers seeking diverse fishing opportunities.

Yes, anglers aged 16 or older must have a valid California fishing license to fish at Wohlford Lake. Additionally, a daily fishing permit is required, which can be purchased at the lake’s ranger station.

Yes, boats are allowed, and rentals, including motorboats and rowboats, are available. Personal watercraft can also be launched but must pass a quagga mussel inspection before use. Kayaks and canoes are also permitted under specific guidelines.

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