Sutherland Lake

Location and Directions:

20600 Sutherland Dam Rd
Ramona, CA, 92065

     Sutherland Reservoir is located approximately 45 miles northeast of San Diego. From I-15 take Hwy. 78 East past the town of Ramona. Exit Sutherland Dam Road and go north to the reservoir. From the gate it's about .7 mile to the concession/launch area.


General Info:

    Sutherland Reservoir is 556.8 surface acres and has 5.25 miles of shoreline at full capacity. It also has a maximum depth of 145 feet. The res. is open for boating and fishing from sunrise to sunset Friday through Sunday, from mid-March to early October. Day use only - no camping is allowed. There is a picnic area and consession stand. No swimming or water contact allowed. Turkey hunting is allowed in season. For more information, visit the Sutherland Res. website.


Other lakes in the area:
Doane Pond
Henshaw Lake
Wohlford Res.

Boating Info:

    There is a 2-lane launch ramp available for private boaters and rental boats are available at the marina. Call (619) 390-0222 for prices and reservations. Float-tubing is permitted. Use of float tubes is restricted to within 150 feet or less from shore. Float tubers must wear chest waders and have a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device readily available at all times, and have 144 square inches of international orange visible at least 12 inches above the water line. They must also possess a horn or whistle to warn approaching craft. No personal watercraft (Jetskis, Waverunners, etc.) are allowed. There is a mandatory quagga mussel inspection prior to launching.


Fishing Info:

    There are Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, redear sunfish, channel catfish, blue catfish, bullhead, and carp here. There is plenty of shoreline fishing, including one and 3/4 miles of west shoreline and Santa Ysabel Arm are accessible by foot. Be sure to visit the CDFW web site for complete regulations before heading out.


Comments and Tips:

    Primarily known for it's bass fishing, this lake yeilds both quantity and quality largemouths. This can also be an excellent crappie lake, especially during the spring spawning runs.


     If you know something about this area or have some photos that you'd like to share, please E-mail and I'll post it here!


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