Lake guide
Lake Wohlford
Escondido, San Diego County, CA
Overview
Lake Wohlford is a City of Escondido drinking-water reservoir in the hills northeast of town, at 25453 Lake Wohlford Road. It's a fishing lake with rental boats. The City prohibits private watercraft of any kind to keep out quagga mussels, so you can't launch your own boat, kayak or float tube.
Season
Wohlford is open seven days a week from early December to early September. From early September to early December it's open only on Saturdays and Sundays. Fishing hours are 6 a.m. to dusk, and the dock closes before the park does. In February 2026, for example, the City posted park hours of 6:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with the dock closing at 5:00 p.m.
On the water
The dock rents rowboats, motorboats and bass boats. Rental boats hold up to four adults, or two in a bass boat. Life jackets are available at the dock. Anyone under 16 needs an adult aboard to operate a boat.
Good to know
Because it's a domestic water supply, there's no swimming, wading or other body contact, and pets aren't allowed anywhere in the park. The City stocks trout and catfish, and anglers 16 and older need a California fishing license plus a daily City permit. In early 2026 the City reported the lake at a low level, so call the ranger station before you go.
Getting there & access
Getting there
The lake is at 25453 Lake Wohlford Road in the hills of northeastern Escondido. The City operates it through its Lakes Division, and the ranger station is at (760) 839-4346.
Boating by rental only
Private watercraft of any kind are prohibited. All boating is in City rentals from the dock: rowboats, motorboats and bass boats. Bass boats are rented Monday through Thursday only.
Check the season and level first
From early September to early December the lake opens on weekends only. The City reported the lake at a low level in early 2026, so call the ranger station for current conditions.
Fishing requirements
A California fishing license is required for everyone 16 and older, plus a daily City permit: $10 for adults, $7 for seniors (60+) and youth (8–15). Children under 8 fish free, but their catch counts toward the adult's limit.
Amenities
- Rowboat rentals — $25 before 1 p.m., $20 after
- Motorboat rentals — $45 before 1 p.m., $35 after
- Bass boat rentals — $70 full day, $45 half day; Monday–Thursday only
- Life jackets — Available at the dock for every passenger
- Stocked fishery — Trout and catfish stocked annually
- Rental capacity — Up to four adults per rental boat; two per bass boat
Rules & official resources
- Private watercraft of any kind are prohibited
- No swimming, wading or bodily contact with the water: it's a domestic drinking-water reservoir
- No one under 16 may operate a boat unless accompanied by an adult
- Pets are strictly forbidden in the park; alcohol, glass containers and fires are prohibited
- Daily permit required and kernel corn is banned as bait; report all fish caught to the dock attendant
- California fishing license required for everyone 16 and older
Common boat service needs here
Clean, drain and dry between lakes
Wohlford is rental-only, so local anglers fish their own boats at other inland reservoirs, many of which inspect for mussels. Owners keep boats washed, drained and dry between lakes to pass inspection.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Outboard and trolling-motor service
The small bass and aluminum fishing boats that local Wohlford anglers own and run elsewhere need regular outboard and trolling-motor tune-ups.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Covers and seats
Inland North County heat and sun break down covers, carpet and seat vinyl on boats stored outdoors.
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