sweetwater reservoir questions and answers
Sweetwater Reservoir Shoreline Fishing update:
Q: Who operates the Fishing Facility?
A: Sweetwater Authority, a public agency that provides drinking water
for 177,000 residents
of Chula Vista, National City and Bonita, owns and operates Sweetwater
Reservoir and
the Fishing Facility. California’s Department of Fish and Game will
inspect the facility to
assure anglers have fishing licenses and follow state rules and
regulations.
Q: Where else can I learn about Sweetwater Reservoir?
A: There is an information line, 619.409.6777, and there is information
on the Sweetwater
Authority website, www.sweetwater.org. To learn more about Sweetwater
Authority, you can also call 619.420.1413.
Q: When can I fish at Sweetwater Reservoir?
A: Shoreline fishing opened July 25, 2004. Regular days for fishing are
Saturday, Sunday and Mondays from dawn to dusk, including holidays except Christmas
Day and
New Year's Day.
Q: Why allow fishing on a drinking water reservoir?
A: When residents voted for public ownership of the water system
in the 1970s, voters
asked for public fishing. Sweetwater Authority's Governing Board, in
seeking a balance
between human and environmental needs, supports the fishing program as a
service to
the entire region.
Q: Why has this project taken more than 20 years to complete?
A: Shortly after acquiring the water system in 1977, Sweetwater
Authority's Governing
Board realized it would be unfair if water customers paid for fishing
facilities they might
never use. The Board sought outside funding, which was first obtained in
2000. When
funds were available, the Board approved a project designed to come
within that budget.
Most of the remaining project time has been dedicated to planning and
regulatory
reviews, which assured the project would best protect water quality and
the environment.
Q: Will the fishing program be expanded?
A: Probably not. Because water from Sweetwater Reservoir is treated at
the Perdue Plant near the shoreline, it is unlikely that California’s
Department of Health Services would ever approve boats or potential body
contact activities such as canoeing, kayaking, swimming, water skiing,
wading, or float tubes.
Q: Will I ever be able to fish on the north shore of the
reservoir?
A: No. The water stored in Sweetwater Reservoir and the wildlife that
live there must be carefully protected. Fishing area limits are posted
on the south shore.
Q: What type of concessions will be available at the site?
A: None. Visitors must bring their own food, drink, bait and tackle,
including drinking water.
Portable restrooms and trashcans are provided. Don’t forget sun
screen!
Q: Will the lake be stocked with trout and other fish species?
A: There are no plans to stock the lake. We expect healthy populations
of bass, catfish,
bullhead, bluegill, perch, rock bass, and carp. Catch and release
practices are preferred
to avoid over-fishing.
Q: Are boats allowed?
A: No. Motor boats could create problems with fuel contamination or
non-native plant or
animal species. Non-motorized watercraft might cause body contact.
Q: Will float tubes or waders be allowed?
A: No. They could lead to contamination through human contact with the
water.
Q: What other recreation is allowed?
A: Trails are provided for walks, photography, and bird watching.
Bicycles, horses and pets
are allowed on other designated trails (outside of the fishing
facility).
Q: Is camping allowed?
A: No. There is no overnight parking and no camping at the Facility.
Camping is available
at the County’s Sweetwater Summit Park, west of the Facility. the
address is 3218 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita, CA 91902. The information
number is 858-694-3049.
Q: How many people are allowed to fish each day?
A: There are 155 parking spaces at the Facility. If the lot is full,
visitors may pay a day use
fee to park at Sweetwater Summit Campground and hike in. Caretakers are
authorized to refuse further admissions as needed.
Q: Is bowfishing allowed?
A: No. The Governing Board has decided against this form of fishing.
|
