Lake guide
Dixon Lake
Escondido, San Diego County, CA
Overview
Dixon Lake is a City of Escondido reservoir and park in the hills north of town at 1700 La Honda Drive. It's a fishing-and-rental-boat lake, not a launch-your-own-boat lake. The City bans private watercraft to keep invasive mussels out, so everyone on the water is in a City rental boat.
On the water
The dock rents rowboats, motorboats, bass boats and pedal boats. Rentals sell out quickly, and the City calls boats in an hour before the park closes. Body contact with the water isn't allowed at any time, so there's no swimming, wading, float tubing or paddleboarding.
Fishing
The lake is stocked with trout and catfish every year, and night fishing runs in the summer months. No state fishing license is needed because the lake has an aquaculture permit, but anglers 8 and older need a daily City permit. Trout are catch-and-keep only, and the bass limit is two fish over 12 inches per day.
Good to know
The gates open at 6 a.m. daily and closing time varies by season. Smoking and glass containers are banned everywhere. Alcohol is allowed only in the campground for registered campers, never on boats or the shoreline.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Dixon Lake is at 1700 La Honda Drive in the hills of northern Escondido. Day-use entry is $5 per car, van or motorcycle and $30 for buses or vehicles over 20 feet, cash only; seniors over 60 enter free.
Renting a boat
All boating is in City rental boats from the dock. Rentals tend to sell out quickly, so arrive early on weekends. Boats are called in an hour before the park closes.
No private craft
Private watercraft of any kind, including kayaks and float tubes, aren't allowed. The City cites protection from invasive mussels. Trolling motors are also on the restricted-equipment list.
Fishing permits
A daily City permit is required for anglers 8 and older: $10 for adults, $7 for youth (8–15) and seniors (60+), plus $5 for a second rod. No state fishing license is required.
Amenities
- Rowboat rentals — $25 before 1 p.m., $20 after; hourly $15 (6 a.m.–1 p.m.) or $10 (after 1 p.m.)
- Motorboat rentals — $45 before 1 p.m., $35 after; hourly $30 (6 a.m.–1 p.m.) or $25 (after 1 p.m.)
- Bass boat rentals — $70 full day, $45 half day
- Pedal boats — $20 per hour
- Campground — On-site campground; the only place alcohol is allowed, and only for campers
- Night fishing — Offered during the summer months
- Stocked fishery — Trout and catfish planted annually
Rules & official resources
- Private watercraft are banned to protect the lake from invasive mussels
- No body contact with the water at any time; float tubes and trolling motors are restricted equipment
- Daily fishing permit required for ages 8 and up; no state license needed
- Trout are catch-and-take only; bass limit is 2 per day, over 12 inches
- Rental boats are called in an hour before the park closes
- No smoking or glass anywhere; no alcohol in day-use areas, on the shoreline or on boats
Common boat service needs here
Clean, drain and dry between lakes
Dixon is rental-only, so local owners trailer their own boats to other San Diego County reservoirs, many of which inspect for mussels. A thorough wash and dry-out between lakes helps boats pass inspection.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Small-engine service
Anglers who fish Dixon in rentals often own small fishing boats with outboards or trolling motors for other lakes. Regular tune-ups keep them launch-ready.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Covers for stored boats
Boats stored in North County driveways and yards in the inland sun need good covers and UV-resistant upholstery.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026