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Reservoirs and Lakes

Sutherland Reservoir

All vessels must be inspected for quagga mussels by City reservoir staff at the Quagga Inspection Station prior to entering the reservoir (Quagga Inspection Station is located near the boat launch ramp).

Hours of Operation

Sutherland Reservoir is closed the third Friday of each month. More infoabout closure

Open

MARCH - SEPT. 29

Friday, Saturday and Sunday
(vessels permitted on Saturday and Sunday only)
sunrise to sunset

Closed

SEPT. 30 - FEBRUARY

Holiday Schedule:

OPEN - Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day

CLOSED - Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day

Recreation

Water Activities, including:

  • Boats
  • Canoes
  • Row Boats
  • Kayaks
  • Float Tubes

Fishing
Wheelchair accessible

Water Fountain

Leashed Dogs

Picnic Tables

Barbecue Areas
Gas barbecues allowed in designated areas

Restrooms


No Stand Up Paddleboards

No Swimming

No Wading

No Dogs Allowed on Boats

No Camping

No Ground Fires

No Concessions

No Glass Containers

No Littering

No Fish Cleaning Stations

 

Fishing and Hunting


What you'll find here...

Largemouth Bass on white background
Largemouth Bass

Sunfish on white background
Sunfish

Catfish on white background
Catfish

Permits and Fees

A valid California Fishing License is required for anglers 16 years of age or older. California Department of Fish and Wildlife Freshwater Sport regulations and City regulations are strictly enforced.


Patrons can purchase permits from the electronic pay station or iron ranger box (envelope system).

CASH OR CHECK ONLY

Fishing
Adults$11 per person
Youth (ages 8 to 15)
Children 7 and under are free.
$4 per person
Seniors (age 65 and older)$6 per person
Boating

Private Boating and Watercraft, including:

  • Canoes and Kayaks

$11 per boat/craft

$6 per craft

Hunting PermitTurkey Hunting Info
Adult (ages 16 years and older)$18
Youth (ages 8 to 15 years)$10
Row Boat and Blind Reservation$30

Concessions

Concession facilities are NOT available. Anglers must bring their own water, food and lures to this reservoir. Glass containers are prohibited.

About Sutherland Reservoir

Construction on Sutherland Dam began in 1927, but it was not completed until 1954. Sutherland Reservoir is located approximately 45 miles northeast of downtown San Diego on Santa Ysabel Creek. When full, the reservoir has 556.8 surface acres, a maximum water depth of 145 feet, and 5.25 shoreline miles. Sutherland Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 29,508 acre feet.

Photo courtesy of SDFish.com