Lake Murray (Murray Reservoir)

Lake Murray is a City of San Diego drinking-water reservoir tucked between La Mesa, San Carlos and Del Cerro, just off Kiowa Drive. It is a small, no-wake lake used for fishing from motorboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks and float tubes. There are no jet skis, water-skiers or swimmers here, and the pace is deliberately slow.

How boating works here

The City runs the lake as a public recreation reservoir. Private boats can launch from the ramp near the Kiowa Drive entrance (5540 Kiowa Drive) for a per-boat fee, and rental boats are available at the dock. The reservoir is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and all boats must be off the water by sunset. The posted maximum speed is 5 mph unless signs say otherwise, and the shoreline and coves such as Del Cerro, San Carlos and Padre Bays are popular with bass anglers.

Restrictions that surprise visitors

Swimming, wading and diving are not allowed, stand-up paddleboards are not permitted, and dogs may not ride on boats. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited on the property, and glass containers are banned. Anglers aged 8 and over need a daily permit, and anglers 16 and older need a California fishing license.

Water level matters

The state Division of Safety of Dams has restricted the reservoir level, and the City's page notes the boat ramp is unavailable when the water sits between 80 and 86 feet. Check the City's reservoir page or call before you tow a trailer out.