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Sweetwater Reservoir
Shoreline fishing is allowed along a 2.5-mile stretch on the south side of Sweetwater Reservoir on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Please follow and obey all posted fishing program rules. See additional information below.
Fishing programs are subject to closure at any time due to elevated fire conditions, Red Flag Warnings, inclement weather or any other safety concerns.
Current hours:
The fishing program is open Friday through Monday
October through February
7 am to 4 pm
March through September
7 am to 5 pm
Holiday closures:
- New Year's Day
- Memorial Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Friday after Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas
Daily Fees
- $5 per adult
- $2 per child under 16 (must be with an adult)
- $3 per car for non-fishing visitors
Cash only, no change or checks. The pay station is located next to the parking lot kiosk. Anglers must comply with California Fish and Game regulations for licensing and catch limits, as well as rules posted at the site. Facilities include parking, portable rest rooms and trash facilities. Access to the reservoir is via San Miguel Road in Bonita, near Sweetwater Summit Park, which is owned and operated by the County of San Diego. Adult supervision is required for children under 16.
A California State Fishing License is required to fish at Sweetwater 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.
Recreation at Sweetwater Reservoir
The Sweetwater Reservoir Riding and Hiking Trail a County of San Diego trail, operated through an easement granted by Sweetwater Authority. Provisions contained in the easement allow Sweetwater Authority to revoke its permission for use of the trail. These stipulations help protect both the water supply and sensitive wildlife near the reservoir.