San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Hi all,

Has anyone been fishing Hodges lately, and if so, how's it been? I haven't been back since mid-February, shortly after it opened, and I'm thinking about getting out there this weekend or next to scope out the bite. Cap has been a lot of fun, as the topwater bite has been heating up, and a variety of baits like small walking baits, poppers, crankbaits, and worms have been producing. Regardless, I'm feeling like switching it up for a day or two!

Tight lines

Brad

I hit Hodges early too, and never made it back after hitting Cap a few times and getting back to my saltwater routine. I’ve got Barrett tickets for 2 Wednesdays in May, so I might just wait to hit freshwater until then. Trying out the shad spawn at Cap does sound intriguing though haha.

I went to hodges in the beginning of April, started at grey light shore pounded with waders for 3 hrs didnt get one bite. I couldnt believe it!!

Please report back

Osidecoffee wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2026 8:53 am I hit Hodges early too, and never made it back after hitting Cap a few times and getting back to my saltwater routine. I’ve got Barrett tickets for 2 Wednesdays in May, so I might just wait to hit freshwater until then. Trying out the shad spawn at Cap does sound intriguing though haha.

Yup, the bite at Cap keeps bringing me back and keeps me off the other lakes. The bite has definitely been changing over the last few weeks, and the shad spawn last weekend was cool to see. The bass were all over it, but they were surprisingly hard for me to catch. I was throwing a Karashi chasing the topwater bite, but I think some shore pounders who were getting a few more than me were getting them on jerkbaits. Get out there!

If anyone goes I’m curious to know the report, good or bad

Was there today. Fished from 6:30 to noon. Not a single bite. Threw plenty of different baits. No takers. Crappie guys are doing well.

Thanks for the report

What the heck is going on over there, mass die off?

Been 2x this year, once in March and once in Early April.

Extremely tough fishing. First outing got 2 dinks on the spinnerbait and second trip nothing. threw lots of baits, fast and slow
I dont think i'll be going back untill I hear some good news. if you go please let me know how you do, It has always been my favorite lake but this year has been depressing

professionull wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2026 7:40 pm Thanks for the report

What the heck is going on over there, mass die off?

It could be the carp, and waaaay too many I think are destroying hodges.. I've seen whirlpools of hundreds near the launch ramp.
With that said, I keep fishing it because they bite through the carp at times

Yeah....it is funny that I talk to lots of fishermen, yet never hear the word Hodges even mentioned much
at all this year after it opened. Not a good sign

The city’s lack of foresight, planning, and proper budgeting has ruined Hodges. And the carp problem was allowed to flourish decades ago. Other than that, everything is great

jimbongo wrote: Thu Apr 23, 2026 11:20 am

professionull wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2026 7:40 pm Thanks for the report

What the heck is going on over there, mass die off?

It could be the carp, and waaaay too many I think are destroying hodges.. I've seen whirlpools of hundreds near the launch ramp.
With that said, I keep fishing it because they bite through the carp at times

Hodges always had lots of carp....

Went there today at a bad time to give it a shot (12:00), couldn't buy a bite in 4.5 hours. Lot's of shad around and the grebes were picking them off but nothing wanted to chew any plastics