El Capitan Reservoir

El Capitan Reservoir

Lakeside, San Diego County, CA
2mi²
210.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

El Capitan Reservoir, located in San Diego County, California, is a man-made reservoir with a surface area of approximately 1,562 acres. The reservoir was created in the 1930s to provide drinking water to the city of San Diego and has since become a popular destination for fishing and outdoor recreation. With its clear waters and diverse fish populations, El Capitan Reservoir offers anglers an exceptional fishing experience. Largemouth Bass is one of the most sought-after fish species in El Capitan Reservoir, and the lake is known for producing trophy-sized bass. Anglers can also catch other popular fish species such as Sunfish, Catfish, Crappie, and Carp. The reservoir's large size and varied underwater structure, such as rocky outcrops and submerged trees, provide a habitat for a diverse range of fish species. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regularly stocks the reservoir with fish to maintain the fish populations, ensuring that anglers have a good chance of catching their limit. The best time to fish at El Capitan Reservoir is during the spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate, and fish are more active. However, the lake is open year-round for fishing, and anglers can catch fish throughout the year. In addition to fishing, El Capitan Reservoir offers a range of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and boating. The lake has several campgrounds with facilities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers, providing visitors with a comfortable place to stay while enjoying the outdoors. The lake's surrounding hills and mountains offer several hiking trails with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. Boating is another popular activity at El Capitan Reservoir, and the lake has several boat ramps for launching boats. Visitors can rent boats or bring their own and enjoy a day on the water. However, it is important to note that swimming is not allowed in the lake due to safety concerns. In conclusion, El Capitan Reservoir in San Diego County, California, is a beautiful and popular recreational destination. With its clear waters, diverse fish populations, and range of outdoor activities, the lake offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for trophy-sized bass or a family seeking a weekend camping trip, El Capitan Reservoir is the perfect place to escape the city and connect with nature.

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Current Conditions

89°F°
Feels like 91°F°
Clear
Today's High
100°F°
Today's Low
65°F°

Water Temperature

69°F
Updated: (May 7)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for El Capitan Reservoir is 69°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind8 mph W (Gust 14 mph)
Pressure
29.87 inHg
Visibility38 mi
Humidity26%
Cloud Cover7%

Forecast: Saturday, May 10

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
70°F°
10 AM
91°F°
1 PM
99°F°
4 PM
95°F°

Temperature

High
100°F°
Low
65°F°

Precipitation

Chance0%
Amount0.00"
Typeclear

Wind

4mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
21mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed9 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise12:51 PM
Sunset2:36 AM
Moon PhasewaxingGibbous
Max UV Index10 (Very High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
4/5

Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

7:00 AM - 7:00 AM

2:05 PM - 4:35 PM

Minor Times (Good)

12:39 AM - 2:09 AM

11:02 AM - 12:32 PM

Outlook for Saturday at El Capitan Reservoir

Expect temperatures ranging from 65°F to 100°F. Skies look mostly clear with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 4 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 21 mph. The maximum UV index will be 10 (Very High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 4/5 (Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 7:00 AM and 2:05 PM, or try the minor windows near 12:39 AM and 11:02 AM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for El Capitan Reservoir.

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May 9th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
210 ft
Area
2 mi²
Coordinates
32.875, -116.794

Weather Forecast

Saturday

100°F
65°F

Sunday

92°F
62°F

Monday

74°F
54°F

Tuesday

63°F
50°F

Wednesday

70°F
47°F

Thursday

72°F
49°F

Friday

72°F
50°F

Saturday

67°F
53°F

Sunday

70°F
53°F
Saturday - 5/10/2025
100°F
65°F
12am
67°F
69°F
29.91 hPa
2 mph
ENE
G: 3 mph
2am
65°F
69°F
29.91 hPa
3 mph
S
G: 4 mph
4am
66°F
69°F
29.89 hPa
2 mph
ENE
G: 4 mph
6am
66°F
69°F
29.90 hPa
3 mph
ESE
G: 5 mph
8am
79°F
69°F
29.90 hPa
3 mph
ENE
G: 5 mph
10am
91°F
69°F
29.90 hPa
4 mph
SE
G: 11 mph
12pm
97°F
69°F
29.88 hPa
5 mph
SW
G: 15 mph
2pm
100°F
69°F
29.85 hPa
6 mph
SW
G: 17 mph
4pm
95°F
69°F
29.84 hPa
6 mph
WSW
G: 17 mph
6pm
90°F
69°F
29.85 hPa
5 mph
W
G: 8 mph
8pm
80°F
69°F
29.88 hPa
2 mph
NW
G: 4 mph
10pm
73°F
69°F
29.91 hPa
3 mph
E
G: 4 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for El Capitan Reservoir

Current Temp

Sign in to view

Latest recorded surface temperature.

Lowest in Period

54°F

On Mar 23

Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.

Average in Period

67°F

Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.

Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months

Surface temperature over the selected period.

Key Observations (Last 12 Months)

  • Warmest avg: July (87°F).
  • Coolest avg: January (56°F).
  • Avg temps often suitable for swimming during July.
  • Rapid warming often occurs: April → May (+16°F).
  • Sharpest cooling trend: September → October (-14°F).

Weather Forecast

Wind speed and pressure trends

Hourly Wind Forecast

Wind Direction

65°

Pressure

1013 mb

Cloud Cover

0%

Visibility

34 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

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Frequently Asked Questions About El Capitan Reservoir

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