Loveland Reservoir

The water level at Loveland Reservoir is currently low due to a controlled water transfer 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.


COVID-19 OPERATIONS UPDATE:
On Saturday, August 1, 2020, Sweetwater Authority reopened the recreational fishing program at Loveland Reservoir. Here are the details:

Loveland Reservoir 
Open Friday through Sunday 
6:00 am to 5:00 pm 

COVID-19 Health Warning: Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; please stop the spread of COVID-19 by following these rules:


  • Please follow and obey all other fishing program rules posted 
  • Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet from other people (except those who reside in the same household)
  • Face coverings are required
  • (Per CDPH Guidance on California Department of Public Health Face Covering Guidance)
  • Patrons are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol and use it frequently 
  • Please pack out what you pack in 
  • Port-a-potties are open

The details of Sweetwater Authority Safe re-opening plan can be found here.

Please note that fishing programs are subject to closure at any time due to elevated fire conditions, Red Flag Warnings, inclement weather or any other safety concerns.


To protect and preserve water quality and natural habitat, Sweetwater Authority and the USDA Forest Service established a unique partnership to provide public fishing access along a portion of the shoreline. In exchange for parcel of land near the reservoir, previously owned by the U.S. Government, Sweetwater Authority provided land near Descanso, California to the National Forest System. This exchange increases natural habitat and forest lands available to San Diego County and Southern California residents and wildlife.

Fishing activities at Loveland Reservoir are designed to protect public health and benefit the community. Activities will be monitored by Sweetwater Authority.

Please stay in designated areas and respect the sensitive environment present at Loveland Reservoir. 

Fishing access is limited to posted areas.

Current Hours Open to the Public


October through February
6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March through September
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Holidays


Loveland Reservoir fishing is open daily, and is closed during the following major holidays:
  • New Year's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • July 4
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • The day after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas
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

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.

California State Fishing Licenses Required


  • Bass: 5 (12-inch minimum length)
  • Catfish: 5
  • Bluegill: 25
  • Red Eared Sunfish: 25
  • Crappie: 25
  • Bluegill, Sunfish and Crappie combined bag limit: 25