Tule Lake near Campo: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Tule Lake lies within the bounds of San Diego County, California. The bank is 3,432 feet above sea level. It covers about 12 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Our San Diego County list holds plenty of bigger water. Some 14 miles away sits Campo, the nearest settlement. El Cajon sits 42 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Tule Lake

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include green sunfish and redbelly tilapia. The records cover the area rather than this water alone. Read Tule Lake for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 48°F in January to roughly 79°F in July. Cold never closes this one. Shade and hour of day matter more than month. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Tule Lake. The week either side of a change of season often fishes hardest.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. There is no mapped parking or launch close by, which usually means walking in. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Morena Creek sits 17 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat access at Tule Lake as something to verify.