Part of Lakes and Lake Guides, our guide to San Diego County lakes, reservoirs and the rules for fishing them.
Sweetwater Authority allows shoreline fishing along a 2.5 mile stretch on the south side of Sweetwater Reservoir, Friday through Monday. October to February hours are 7 am to 4 pm. On October 23, 2026 the Authority said fees are suspended until further notice.Checked October 23, 2026.
Rules and Limits
A California fishing license is required. Live freshwater bait such as shiners and crawdads is not allowed; mealworms, redworms and crickets are. The Authority lists limits of 5 bass (12 inch minimum), 5 catfish, 25 bluegill, 25 red-eared sunfish and 25 crappie, with bluegill, sunfish and crappie combined at 25. No boating is offered. See California Fishing License and Limits.
Closures
The program is subject to closure at any time for elevated fire conditions, Red Flag Warnings, inclement weather, staffing shortages or other safety concerns, per the Authority. Read 2026-10-23; check the Authority page before you drive out.
What We Could Not Verify
- Whether fees resume is not confirmed; the Sweetwater Authority can confirm.
- The coupon prices (area resident $3, non-resident $4) apply only when fees are charged and were not re-checked.
- Species beyond the limits table and stocking are not stated.
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FAQ
Which days is shoreline fishing open?
Friday through Monday.
Do I pay to fish now?
The Authority said fees are suspended until further notice, as read October 23, 2026.
Sources
Checked October 23, 2026 by It’s San Diego. Cite this page: It’s San Diego (itssandiego.com), checked October 23, 2026. Free to quote with a link to this page; tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.