How to get there: Located 2 miles northwest of Lake Poway, with a hike of 3 miles from Espola Road in Poway through the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. The Reserve is closed because of damage from the Witch Creek Fire. From I-15 take Rancho Bernardo Road exit, go east. Rancho Bernardo Road becomes Espola Road. Take Espola Road until the road makes a wide right curve. The entrance to Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is on the east side of Espola Road right after the curve. It's a half-mile north of the entrance to Lake Poway. Vehicle parking is in the staging area and then prepare for a 3-mile hike, the last part up the face of the dam.

Schedule: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.

Fish species: Largemouth bass, channel catfish. Water is very clear, so light line and finesse tactics work best. Mostly 1-and 2-pound bass here. Spring and summer are the best times to fish, although it gets hot in the summer, so pack plenty of water. No drinking fountains or water sources other than the lake itself.

Critters: Blue Sky Ecological Reserve was loaded with birds and mammals prior to the Witch Creek Fire. Deer herd is scattered now. Not much for birds to munch on or take cover to perch on.

Concessions: None.

Access: Only the hike through the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve to reach the lake. Shoreline fishing only.

Permits: None required. California fishing license required for all fishermen 16 and older.

Restrictions: Lots of restrictions here, the list coming from the Ramona Municipal Water District. No vehicle access. No swimming, wading, float tubes, rafting or boating allowed. Do not violate private property owner rights to access the lake. Hiking and jogging are restricted to established trails and the reservoir access road. The water district's pump station and dam-operating control buildings are off-limits, as are the rocks and stair steps at the dam. No fishing from the steps or rocks at the dam. District asks visitors to leave no trace, or, follow the pack-it-in, pack-it-out rule. No hunting, discharge of firearms, air guns, or archery equipment permitted. No alcoholic beverages permitted. All pets must be leashed and are prohibited from entering the lake.

Boat rentals: None.

Camping: None. Campfires, open fires or barbecues are not allowed.

Information: Ramona Municipal Water District: (760) 789-1330; the address is 105 Earlham St., Ramona, CA 92065. The Blue Sky Ecological Reserve is located on Espola Road, a half-mile north of Lake Poway. Call (619) 486-7238.

– ED ZIERALSKI