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Loveland Reservoir
The water level at Loveland Reservoir is currently low due to the statewide drought, and a controlled water transfer in January 2021 to Sweetwater Reservoir to supplement the sources of drinking water for Sweetwater Authority. To find the best fishing conditions, you may need to hike into the reservoir further than usual. Please continue to obey all program rules and stay within designated areas. Thank you for your understanding.
Fishing activities at Loveland Reservoir are designed to protect public health and benefit the community. Activities will be monitored by Sweetwater Authority. Please follow and obey all posted fishing program rules. See below for additional information.
Fishing programs are subject to closure at any time due to elevated fire conditions, Red Flag Warnings, inclement weather, staffing shortages, or any other safety concerns.
Current hours:
The fishing program at Loveland Reservoir is open daily during the following hours:
October through February
6 am - 5 pm
March through September
6 am - 6 pm
Holiday closures:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas
Fishing access is limited to posted areas. Please stay in designated areas and respect the sensitive environment present at Loveland Reservoir.
A California State Fishing License is required to fish at Loveland Reservoir.
All County, State and Federal regulations will be enforced.
Rules
- Adult supervision is required for children under 16
- No Alcoholic Beverages
- No Fires or Smoking
- No Glass Bottles or Containers
- No Dogs, Horses, Pets or Service Animals (per health code)
- No Boats, Floats and Watercraft
- No Swimming and Wading
- No Firearms, Bows or Crossbows
- No Fish Cleaning
- No Bowfishing
A California State Fishing License is required to fish at Loveland Reservoir.
Fish Limits
- Bass: 5 (12-inch minimum length)
- Catfish: 5
- Bluegill: 25
- Red Eared Sunfish: 25
- Crappie: 25
- Bluegill, Sunfish and Crappie combined bag limit: 25
Quagga Mussel Prevention
No live freshwater bait, including shiners, crawdads, etc.
To prevent the further spread of Quagga Mussels, Sweetwater Authority has banned the use of live bait from freshwater sources at Loveland and Sweetwater Reservoirs. The ban does not apply to mealworms, redworms, crickets, etc.
Directions:
Take Interstate 8 East to Tavern Road/Alpine off-ramp.
Turn right onto Tavern Road.
Proceed south for about 3.5 miles (Tavern Road turns into Japatul Road).
The fishing program parking lot is located on the right at the 11 mile marker on Japatul Road.
Look for Sweetwater Authority and U.S. Forest Service signs posted at the entrance.