Lake guide
Lake Poway
Poway, San Diego County, CA
Overview
Lake Poway is the City of Poway's recreation lake at 14644 Lake Poway Road, in the hills east of town. Boating here means renting: motorboats and pedal boats go out first-come, first-served from the Lake Poway Concession. Private motors, anchors and float tubes are prohibited.
When you can go out
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to sunset, but fishing and boating run Tuesday through Sunday only, 6 a.m. to sunset. The entry station closes 30 minutes before sunset. The Lookout restaurant and tackle shop sits by the water.
Boating rules
Rental boats carry up to four people, counting children of any age or size. You must be 16 to rent a rowboat or motorboat and 12 to rent a pedal boat. Children under 13 must wear a life vest. Boats have to stay 100 feet from the shoreline and from other boats. You can beach only at the two signed restroom landings, and passengers get on and off only at the boat dock. Dogs and smoking aren't allowed in boats, and boats out night fishing must keep a light on.
Fishing
No state license is needed, but a Poway fishing permit is. The lake holds bass, trout, catfish, bluegill and sunfish, and live bait is sold only at the Lookout.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Lake Poway is at 14644 Lake Poway Road, Poway. The entry station is open daily from 6 a.m. until 30 minutes before sunset.
Renting a boat
Motorboats and pedal boats are rented first-come, first-served at the Lake Poway Concession. Motorboats are $30 for a full fishing day, $24 for a half day or $15 an hour for non-fishing use. Seniors and military pay $22 for a full day or $16 for a half day. Pedal boats are $15 an hour or $10 a half hour.
Who can rent
You must be 16 or older to rent a rowboat or motorboat and 12 or older to rent a pedal boat. Children under 8 must be with someone at least 16. Boats must be returned on time or an extra charge applies.
On the water
Keep 100 feet from the shoreline and other boats. Beach only at the two signed restroom landings, and pick up and drop off passengers only at the boat dock. Breaking the safety rules can cost you your boating privileges.
Amenities
- Motorboat rentals — Full day $30, half day $24, hourly $15 (non-fishing); senior/military discounts
- Pedal boat rentals — $15 per hour, $10 per half hour
- The Lookout — Restaurant and tackle shop; the only place live bait is allowed from
- Restroom landings — Two signed shoreline spots where rental boats may beach
- Fishery — Bass, trout, catfish, bluegill and sunfish
Rules & official resources
- All boats must stay 100 feet from the shoreline and other boats; beach only at the two signed restroom locations
- Must be 16 to rent a rowboat or motorboat and 12 to rent a pedal boat; children under 13 must wear a life vest
- No dogs or smoking in boats; night-fishing boats must keep a light on at all times
- Float tubes, private motors and anchors are prohibited; maximum two rods per angler
- Poway fishing permit required (no state license); fishing and boating Tuesday–Sunday
- Trout limit 4 (no catch-and-release); bass limit 5, 12-inch minimum, catch-and-release only in March–April
Common boat service needs here
Clean, drain and dry
Lake Poway is rental-only, so local owners trailer their boats to other inland reservoirs that inspect for invasive mussels. Thorough washing and drying between lakes is a common request.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Outboard and trolling-motor service
Anglers who own small fishing boats for other lakes need regular outboard tune-ups, fuel-system service and trolling-motor repair.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Covers and upholstery
Inland San Diego sun is hard on covers and vinyl for boats stored outside at home.
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