Upper Otay Reservoir, body of water
Upper Otay Reservoir is a small water body in Chula Vista, California, dedicated primarily to fishing activities. The water covers about 20 acres and sits behind a solid dam, surrounded by open grassland and scattered trees.
The reservoir was built in 1959 to breed a special largemouth bass population valued for fish stocking programs across the region. It opened to the public in 1996 and has since attracted anglers interested in controlled fishing under strict regulations.
Fishing access is permitted on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from half an hour before sunrise until sunset. Visitors need a California fishing license and must use artificial lures with barbless hooks, as only catch-and-release fishing is allowed.
The water holds a rare northern-strain largemouth bass population, while most other waters in the area stock the Florida-strain variety. This distinction makes it a vital location for preserving this particular fish lineage.
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