Concessions
Boats are available for rent on a first come basis, no reservations. California state fishing licenses can be purchased. Bait is available - shiners, crawdads, nightcrawlers, meal worms and wax worms. Patrons can use credit cards for boat rentals and other purchases, but permits are cash only.
Fishing
Murray is open for fishing, launching and general access seven days a week except for certain holidays (see What's New - Holidays for further information). On days or times that the concession is closed patrons can purchase permits from the iron ranger boxes (envelope system) at the lake. The reservoir is stocked with Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie and trout. Minimum size limit for bass is 12 inches. Fish limits are five trout, five bass, five catfish and 25 crappie and bluegill in aggregate, with no limit on other species. Anglers 16 years of age or older must have a California state fishing license. Fish catch information is updated weekly.
Water Craft
In addition to fishing from boats, patrons can use float tubes, waders, or simply fish from shore. Use of float tubes is restricted to within 150 feet or less from shore. Float tubers must wear chest waders and have a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device readily available at all times, and have 144 square inches of international orange visible at least 12 inches above the water line. They must also possess a horn or whistle to warn approaching craft. Any float tube that uses oars or has a motor must purchase a private boat use permit.
Directions: From Interstate 8, exit on Lake Murray Boulevard north, turn left on Kiowa Drive.
This lake is very popular for bicycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading, and picnicking. Patrons can walk only as far as the dam gate (approximately 3.2 miles) and then must return. When full, the reservoir has 171.1 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 95 feet, and 3.2 shoreline miles. Water levels are monitored weekly.
There are 10 barbecues and 64 picnic tables located around the lake. Patrons can bring their own barbecues for use in designated areas only. No ground fires or glass containers are allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and at least 50 feet away from the water. Dogs are not allowed on boats (private or rental).
The reservoir has Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie and trout (stocked November-May). Minimum size limit for bass is 12 inches. Fish limits are five trout, five bass, five catfish and you may only have a combined bag limit of 25 sunfish and crappie of all species, with no limit on other species. A state fishing license is required. There is no camping allowed at Lake Murray.
Also see:San Diego City Lakes Program
Lake Murray Path
Can be accessed from the parking lot at the Kiowa Drive entrance, from the path off of Baltimore Drive, or from Murray Park Drive by the Lake Murray softball fields and tennis courts.
From Interstate 8 (Kumeyaay Highway) - Take 8 to the Lake Murray Blvd. exit. Turn north onto Lake Murray Blvd. and proceed for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Kiowa Drive. The entrance is 0.2 miles down Kiowa Drive.