SAN VINCENTE
To the north and west, Lake San Vicente, located about 20 miles east of San Diego City in Lakeside, has been the shining star among the lakes in San Diego county for many years. Just about every type of floating device and fishing platform is allowed here.

This impoundment usually kicks out largemouth bass numbers rivaled only by Lake Barrett, and totals for the year are usually five times that of any of the other lake in the area. The lake is a haven for largemouth bass.

Bass can be caught on everything plastic, from drop-shot and split-shot rigs to the old standard, Texas-rigged worms. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, as well as other reaction baits work well here. But to hook giant bass, crawdads and shiners have always been the best. When visiting here, don't forget your trout-imitation lures. Trout are planted as long as possible into the spring. Trout swimbaits can get you that wallhanger!

This lake was originally built to store water for San Diego and its surrounding communities, but the area calls out for more water every year. Given that demand, the San Diego County Water Authority did a study and determined San Vicente would be the best lake to expand. The dam will be raised, and the current lake of 1,069 surface acres would increase by approximately 500 surface acres. This will help out both the residents and fishermen of San Diego County.

The dam will be raised between 54 and 123 feet. Studies are still under way to find the right amount, but should be in that ballpark. The drawback is the lake will have to be closed to all recreation while the dam project takes place and will not reopen until the water rises to the new launch ramp. The lake will close in mid- to late 2008 and reopen somewhere between 2014 and 2017.

A long wait, but it should be worth it. When the "new" lake is opened, it should be one of the greatest fisheries in the West. No fishing pressure for somewhere between six and nine years should make it better than its top-notch counterpart, Lake Barrett. Fishing is great now, though, so take advantage of it while you can.

LAKE DIXON
Still heading north from San Diego, we come across the small impoundment of Lake Dixon. Don't pass up this lake; it's one of the top choices around. Last year the unofficial record largemouth bass of 25.1 pounds, caught by Mac Weakley, was brought to the dock and the world's attention. Mac decided not to pursue the world record, so this giant as well as others are still in the lake for the taking.