Rowboats are $12 for all-day use; a half-day costs $8. Boats with 5- horsepower motors run $35 for the day, $25 for a half day.

In addition to fishing from boats, anglers can float-tube or fish from shore. All the roadside of the Otay and Harvey Arms and both sides of North Point are accessible by foot.

Use of float tubes is restricted to within 150 feet from shore. Float-tubers must wear chest waders and have a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device readily available at all times, as well as 144 square inches of international orange visible at least 12 inches above the waterline. (A hunter orange ball cap will work just fine.)

They must also possess a horn or whistle to warn approaching craft. Float-tubers will be charged the fishing fee, but not the launch fee.

There are no concession services at this San Diego lake. Anglers should bring their own tackle, bait, gasoline and anything else they may need.

This might change in the future when recreation on the city’s lakes becomes the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Department.

A California state resident’s fishing license costs $38.85. A non-resident license is $104.40. There are short-term licenses available for out-of-state visitors, and residents may start off with a one-day license for $12.60.

The two-day license is $19.45, and a 10-day license costs the same as an annual license -- $38.85.

There are barbecues and picnic tables in the picnic area. Patrons can bring self-contained barbecues for use in designated areas only. No ground fires or glass containers are allowed.

Overnight camping is not allowed at Lower Otay. The nearest camping is two miles away at Thousand Trails, or about five miles away at Sweetwater and Bonita county parks.

For reservations at these county parks, call (619) 565-3600.

The nearby communities of Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach have all services.

The reservoir’s operating schedule now runs year ‘round. Anglers can check an informative Web site at www.sandiego.gov/water/index.shtml or you can call the San Diego City Lake fishing information recording at (619) 465-3474 or 3475.

Contact the City Water Office at (619) 668-2030.