LAKESIDE – As supervising ranger at Lake Jennings, Hugh Marx takes it personally when the lake doesn't produce for fishermen, but he's learned to be more patient at the lake he has managed for 31/2 years.

“This can be a very tough lake to fish, but we're working at changing that,” Marx said recently.

Built in 1964, Jennings always has been stingy. But Marx and his staff and volunteers have added underwater structure to the 160-acre lake, the centerpiece of a 350-acre parkland operated by Helix Water District. Those underwater structure projects should improve fishing.

“If we can develop the threadfin shad population, we'll develop the fishery,” Marx said. “Everything in here likes to eat threadfin shad.”

On a recent steamy hot summer night, Hermit Cove at Lake Jennings served as an oasis for folks out here. On the pier, Allen Frye readied for night fishing over a Floating Fish-N-Lite, and Glen and Toni Quiroga fished with their daughter, Talia, 3, who had a baited-up pink Barbie rod and reel.

“We want to be known as a family lake, a place where families can come and feel safe, fish and have a good time,” Marx said. “On a hot summer night there's no better place to watch the sunset.”

Marx's recommendation for night fishermen right now is to fish tight to shore for bigger channel catfish. They'll join the big blues in deeper water later. Chunks of hot dogs are good bait and not as messy as stink bait or mackerel, but use a good scent over the pieces of hot dogs for more success. Arrive early Friday or Saturday for a spot along Cloister Cove under the trees. Cormorants roost there and their droppings attract channel catfish.

The lake records for the two most sought-after fish are: 17 pounds, 2 ounces for bass by Mike Long and 68 pounds for blue catfish by Rick Guseman.

This is the first in a Saturday series on San Diego County's lakes. Next week: Lake Poway.

LAKE JENNINGS

How to get there: Take I-8 east to Lake Jennings Park exit. (15 minutes from I-15 and 23 minutes from I-5). Turn left at stop sign. Turn right at second stoplight, Harritt Road. At half-mile mark, road veers left. For fishing stay right and enter lake driveway; for camping stay left 1 mile more.

Schedule: Mid May-August: Friday, 5 p.m.-11:45 p.m.; Saturday, 5:30 a.m.-11:45 p.m.; Sunday, 5:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. September to mid-May: half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays including Christmas and New Year's Day.

Fish species: Florida largemouth bass, black crappie, redear sunfish, green sunfish, bluegill, channel and blue catfish, threadfin shad, trout (fall, winter and early spring).

Critters: Osprey, hawks, cormorants, doves, quail, waterfowl, even rare birds like the yellow-throated warbler spotted recently. Also deer, bobcats, coyotes, fox and rabbits.

Access: Great shoreline fishing; spacious fishing pier with handicap access. Scenic hiking on a 5-mile loop trail. Much of it may be driven.

Prices: Sightseeing/picnicking: $1. Fishing: Adults 16 and up, $6; seniors 65 and up $5; active military, $4.50; children 15 and under, $3; kids under 8 free. Boating: Motorboats, full-day, $40; half-day, $30; rowboats, full day, $19; half day, $14; pedalboats, $10 per hour. Private launch, $6. Youth Fishing Program open to any organized youth group. Kids fish free with a prior reservation.

Information: (619) 443-2510 or www.lakejennings.org. Campground reservations: (877) 565-3600.