Date: February 16, 2009
Park Hours: 6:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. ??? Open 7 days a week
Boat Dock Closes: 5:00 P.M.
Water Level: Low level; private water crafts are currently banned


In order to protect Wohlford from invasive exotic Quagga mussels, there is still a temporary ban on private water craft and private equipment that could have been exposed to mussels. Restricted equipment now includes private boats, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, trolling motors, fish finders, anchors, and other equipment that contact the water.

Trout fishing has been good, but the Lake, especially the East end (Willow Cove), often becomes stained during periods of moderate to heavy rainfall causing the bite to fall off in those areas most affected Nightcrawlers have been the most successful bait for Trout this season. Ben Yaji of Chula Vista caught a 4#15 Trout off Senior Shoreline on a nightcrawler. Tong Nguyan brought in a 3#8 Trout in Boat Dock Cove using yellow power bait, and Ken Birthalot weighed in a 3#1 Trout he caught in Oakvale Cove also on a nightcrawler.

Unlike Trout, Catfish respond well to inclement weather. Channel Catfish have been hitting cut mackerel, shrimp, chicken liver, and nightcrawlers near the South Shore Rockpile, in Oakvale Cove, and Willow Cove. Some Bass have begun to stir and Bass up to 8 pounds are being caught occasionally in the usual rocky outcroppings.

The Tour of California bicycle race will require temporary race day road closures of Lake Wohlford Road on Sunday, February 22, between 11a.m. and 5 p.m., as the racers pass by the Lake on route to the top of Palomar Mountain and later back to Escondido for the finish. The closures are not anticipated to be lengthy ones.

Fees at both Lake Wohlford and Lake Dixon increased as of February 1. New Wohlford fees are: Adult-$7, Senior-$5, Youth-$5, Boat-$17, ??-day boat-$14, Motorboat-$35, ??-day Motorboat-$30, and Bass boat rental will be $50. To view fish photos, visit our web site at www.wohlfordlake.com. Each month, Whopper Contest winners in four categories are awarded a free fishing and boating permit. For further information on the contest or fishing conditions, please contact the Ranger Station at (760) 839-4346.

WHOPPER CONTEST WINNERS FOR JANUARY WERE:
Tom Ritter 5#3 Trout Bob Steilen 8#1 Catfish
Clement Miner 5#2 Bass

WHOPPER CONTEST LEADERS FOR FEBRUARY ARE:
Lang Nguien 6#7 Trout Scott Osborne 5#5 Bass