Part of Streams and Fishing Guides, our guide to San Diego County creeks, rivers and stream-side parks, with fishing rules and flood safety.
San Dieguito River Park is a regional greenway stretching 55 miles from the ocean in Del Mar to Volcan Mountain near Julian. Fishing is allowed only at Lake Hodges (seasonal, daily permit) and two named river spots. Pets must be leashed, night trail use is prohibited and overnight camping is prohibited.Checked October 23, 2026.
What It Is
The park describes “a regional greenway that stretches 55 miles from the ocean in Del Mar to Volcan Mountain near Julian,” established in 1989. The Coast to Crest Trail “will someday link Del Mar to Volcan Mountain – over 70 miles.” Source: San Dieguito River Park, read 2026-10-23.
Where You May Fish
The park’s rules say fishing is permitted seasonally at Lake Hodges with a California fishing license and a daily-use permit, and also between the railroad tracks and Jimmy Durante Blvd. on the south side of the San Dieguito River, and at the river mouth west of Camino Del Mar at the San Dieguito Lagoon. They add: “NO FISHING anywhere else in the park.” Source: park rules, read 2026-10-23.
Rules for Visitors
Pets must be leashed at all times, bicycles must be non-powered, and night time trail use and overnight camping are prohibited.
What We Could Not Verify
- Lake Hodges seasonal fishing dates and the current daily-use permit price were not stated. The park (619-465-3474) can confirm.
- Trail-by-trail status was not confirmed: the park’s Coast to Crest status page returned a 404 on 2026-10-23.
- Map coordinates were not obtained.
More in Streams and Fishing Guides
FAQ
Where can I fish in San Dieguito River Park?
Only at the named spots: Lake Hodges (seasonal, with a daily permit) and two river locations. The park says “NO FISHING anywhere else in the park.”
Are dogs allowed?
Pets must be leashed at all times.
Sources
Checked October 23, 2026 by It’s San Diego. Cite this page: It’s San Diego (itssandiego.com), checked October 23, 2026. Free to quote with a link to this page; tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.