YouTube video
Sweetwater Bass fishing with Chachi quick sesh

Summary

Lake Details

Fish Types

Gear & Tackle

Directions

Sweetwater Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟

YouTube video
San Diego Bfs fishing: Sweetwater Reservoir!

Sweetwater Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟, in Bonita, California, is a peaceful spot for fishing and enjoying the outdoors. This small lake is home to fish like bass, catfish, and bluegill, making it a nice spot for anglers of all skill levels. Fishing here is easy and relaxing, with plenty of shoreline to find a quiet place to cast your line. The lake is surrounded by Sweetwater Regional Park, which offers walking trails, picnic areas, and open spaces for family fun or a relaxing solo trip. It’s a great place to enjoy nature, whether you’re fishing, having a picnic, or just soaking in the calm vibes. The scenic setting and friendly atmosphere make Sweetwater Lake a favorite local getaway. Whether you’re hoping for a big catch or just a peaceful day outdoors, it’s a wonderful place to visit! 🎣 🐟

Lake Details

Sweetwater Lake Fishing Guide 🎣 🐟 Highlights 🎣 🐟 :

  • Fish Species: The lake is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish.
  • Fishing Regulations: Anglers aged 16 and older must possess a valid California fishing license. The lake enforces state fishing regulations, including species-specific limits and seasonal restrictions.
  • Shoreline Fishing: Shoreline fishing is allowed along a 2.5-mile stretch on the south side of Sweetwater Reservoir.
  • Amenities: The lake offers picnic areas with barbecues and picnic tables. Visitors can bring self-contained gas barbecues for use in designated areas. Ground fires, glass containers, and camping are not allowed.
YouTube video
Bank Fishing Sweetwater Reservoir [ Pesca De Lobina ] Quick Sesh!

Top Fish at Sweetwater Lake 🐟

Largemouth Bass Fishing Guide

Largemouth Bass

White Crappie Fishing Guide

Crappie

Bluegill Fishing Guide

Bluegill

Channel Catfish Fishing Guide

Channel Catfish

Lake Information

  • Name/Location:
    Lake Sweetwater
  • Address:
    3203 Summit Meadow Rd,
    Bonita CA, 91902
  • County: San Diego County
  • Hours:
    October through February
    7 am to 4 pm
    March through September
    7 am to 5 pm
  • Website:
  • Sweetwater.org
  • Fishing License: Required for persons 16 years and older.

Lake Amenities

  • Shoreline fishing only
  • Hikers
  • Cyclists
  • Equestrians
  • Camper, trailer, and tent camping at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

Nearby Lakes

Fish Types

Bass Fishing

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bass:
    Fishing along the shoreline and inlets is great for catching Bass. Look for spots with vegetation, fallen branches, and rocks where these fish like to hide.
  • Bass Fishing Tips:
    Bass thrive in warmer waters and are most active during the spring and summer
  • Baits: Live shad, crayfish, and plastic worms
  • Lures: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 8-12 lb test line

Baits & Lures

TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Soft Fishing Lures

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Gary Yamamoto Senko Soft Plastic Worms

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SteelShad Lipless Crankbait

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TRUSCEND Swimming Jigging Fishing Spinners

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Bass Drop Shot Rigs

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Crappie Fishing

White Crappie Fishing Guide S

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Slow and Steady Retrieve
    Cast your lure near structures or drop-offs and retrieve it at a slow, consistent pace to mimic the movement of a baitfish.
  • Depth Adjustment
    Set your bobber so that the bait is suspended just above the crappie’s likely holding depth, typically near brush piles or drop-offs.
  • Lightly Weighted Rig
    Use a small split shot to keep your bait at the desired depth while allowing natural movement, which can attract crappie.
  • Minnow and Hook Setup
    Hook a live minnow just below the dorsal fin and let it swim naturally under the bobber, drawing crappie’s attention.
  • Casting Near Cover
    Cast your bobber and bait close to submerged structures like brush piles, fallen trees, or docks, where crappie often congregate.
  • Use of Scented Baits
    Pair your bobber rig with scented soft plastics or bait, which can enhance attraction in low-visibility water.

Best Bait & Lures

Yum Ribbontail Grub Curly Tail Swim Bait

Berkley PowerBait Power Grubs Fishing Soft Bai

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Crappie Baits Plastics Jig Heads Kit Shad Minnow Fishing Lures For Crappie Panfish Bluegill

rappie Baits Plastics Jig Heads Kit

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Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit Fishing Soft Plastic Lures Crappie Walleye Trout Bass Fishing Baits

Dovesun Crappie Lures Kit

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Crappie Jigs Lures Kit

Crappie Jigs and Lures Kit

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Truscend Pre Rigged Soft Fishing Lures

TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Soft Fishing Lures

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Berkley Gulp Alive Minnow Fishing Soft Bait

Berkley Gulp! Alive! Minnow Fishing Soft Bait

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Berkley Powerbait Crappie Nibbles Dough Fishing Bait

Berkley PowerBait Crappie Nibbles Dough Fishing Bait

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Berkley Gulp! Maggot

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Bluegill Fishing

Bluegill Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Bluegill:
    Bluegill are commonly found in the shallow areas of the lake, especially around docks and vegetation.
  • Bluegil Fishing Tips:
    They are active throughout the day, particularly in the summer.
  • Baits: Worms, crickets, and small pieces of bread
  • Lures: Tiny jigs and small spinners
  • Tackle: Ultra-light spinning gear with 2-4 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Berkley Powerbait Panfish Nibbles Fishing Bait

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Berkley Gulp! Maggot 

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Berkley Gulp! Killer Crawler Fishing Soft Bait

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Berkley Berkley PowerBait Power Honey Worm

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YUM Ribbontail Grub Curly Tail Swim Fishing Lure

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CatFish Fishing

Fish Spots & Tips

  • Where to Fish for Catfish:
    Channel Catfish are bottom dwellers and can be found in the deeper, murkier parts of the lake.
  • Catfish Fishing Tips:
    Catfish are popular among night anglers. They are most active after sunset.
  • Baits: Stink bait, chicken liver, and cut bait
  • Lures: Not commonly used, as they prefer natural baits
  • Tackle: Medium to heavy spinning or baitcasting gear with 12-20 lb test line

Baits & Lures

Wild Cat Pre-Molded Catfish Bait

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Catfish Charlie Dip Bait Cheese

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Wild Cat Blood Dip Bait

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Berkley PowerBait Catfish Bait Chunks Fishing Dough

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Pro-Cure Catfish Magic Chicken Liver Cure

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Gear & Tackle

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

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ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

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PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

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Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

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KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

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KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

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Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

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KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

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Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

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TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

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TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

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Booms Fishing R2 Hook Remover Squeeze

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iBobber portable fish depth finder

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Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

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HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

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Shakespeare Catch More Fish Panfish Tackle Box Kit

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Shakespeare Catch More Fish Catfish Tackle Box Kit

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PLUSINNO Bass Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

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PLUSINNO Fishing Lures Baits Tackle

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Crappie Magnet Tackle Pack Kit

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TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Harmony Fishing Bass Razor Weedless Hooks

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Panfish Magnet Kit

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Fishing Hooks Bobbers Freshwater Tackle Kit

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PLUSINNO 264/397pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

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Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

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Eagle Claw Trout Fishing Kit

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Shakespeare Kids Hide-A-Hook Bobber

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Smaky Fishing Tackle Kit

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HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

HOOK-EZE Fishing Hook Knot Tying Tool

Purchase on Amazon →

ACX Fish Lip Gripper Pliers

Purchase on Amazon →

PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net

Purchase on Amazon →

Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Tactical Fishing Sling Tackle Storage Bag

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Fishing Lure Wraps

Purchase on Amazon →

Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine

Purchase on Amazon →

KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves

Purchase on Amazon →

Eagle Claw E.C. Fresh Water Tackle Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

TOPFORT 187/343pcs Fishing Accessories Kit

Purchase on Amazon →

Columbia Unisex Pfg Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

TOREGE Sports Polarized Sunglasses

Purchase on Amazon →

iBobber portable fish depth finder

Purchase on Amazon →

Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Purchase on Amazon →

Directions

FAQs

Sutherland Lake is known for its variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and carp. During cooler months, rainbow trout may also be stocked, enhancing fishing opportunities.

Yes, anglers aged 16 or older must have a valid California fishing license to fish at Sutherland Lake. Additionally, a daily lake use permit is required, which can be purchased at the lake.

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