Sutherland Reservoir

Sutherland Reservoir is a City of San Diego drinking-water reservoir in the backcountry northeast of Ramona, about 45 miles from downtown San Diego. Dam construction began in 1927 and was finished in 1954. The lake covers about 557 surface acres with 5.25 miles of shoreline and is up to 145 feet deep. It's run as a fishing and small-boat lake, with largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish and carp.

Season and access

This is a seasonal, part-week lake. The City lists it as open March 6 to September 29, Friday through Sunday from sunrise to sunset, and closed from September 30 through February. Boats are allowed only on Saturdays and Sundays. It's also closed the third Friday of each month.

What's different here

Because it's a drinking-water reservoir, swimming and wading aren't allowed. Private boats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats and float tubes are permitted, but stand-up paddleboards and dogs on boats aren't. City reservoir staff must inspect every vessel for quagga mussels before it enters the water. When we checked in October 2026, the City listed the launch ramp as closed due to low water, so confirm ramp status before you plan a trip.