on all dams in the state. Hodges Dam did not pass inspection and, as a result, San Diego Public Utilities Department was ordered to keep the maximum level of the lake 20 feet below the spillway. Recreation Lake Hodges is a popular location for hiking, birding, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, photography, and picnicking. It is surrounded by the hiking trails of the San Dieguito River Park and those trails are connected to the park's 65 miles of trails. The Audubon Society has proclaimed Lake Hodges and vicinity to be a Globally Important Bird Area. The ability to see almost 200 bird species attracts many birders as well as amateur and professional photographers. Fishing is allowed 9 months of the year and near record sized Largemouth Bass have been caught in the lake. Environment The riparian habitat around the lake is home to nesting Least Bell's Vireos - an endangered species. Two other endangered bird species - the California Gnatcatcher and the Cactus Wren - can be found in the land around the lake. When water levels are up and remain consistent, a large number of Western and Clark's Grebes nest at the shallow eastern end of the lake. The pumping system can raise and lower the water level in the lake by quite a few inches every day. These fluctuations can cause floating grebe nests to be grounded, in which case they are abandoned by the parents who cannot get to them. The city has a volunteer program, managed by Kayaking For The Birds, which has cleared and keeps cleared all available lakeshore of fishing line, fishing tackle, and litter which threaten birds and wildlife. See also Lake Hodges Bridge List of dams and reservoirs in California List of lakes in California References External links Hodgee, the Lake Hodges Monster, Lake Hodges Scientific Research Center Hodges Reservoir - City of San Diego Lake Hodges Projects, via SDCWA.org Hodges, Lake United States local public utility dams Hodges, Lake Hodges Geography of San Diego