Sweetwater Reservoir, artificial lake in San Diego County, California, United States

Sweetwater Reservoir is a man-made lake in southern California, near the community of Bonita, managed by the local water authority. A section of the south shore is open to the public and has a parking area along with basic facilities for visitors.

The reservoir was built in the late 1800s to supply water to growing communities in southern San Diego County. Over the following decades, it was gradually opened to recreational use and became a fishing spot for the local area.

The reservoir's name comes from the Sweetwater River, which feeds it, and the valley it runs through. The surrounding land is home to the least Bell's vireo and the California gnatcatcher, two birds visitors watch for. The reservoir lies near Bonita, La Presa and Spring Valley, and together with Loveland Reservoir it drains 230 square miles (600 km2).

The fishing area is open on specific days of the week and the hours change by season, so it is worth checking current details before heading out. Only cash is accepted for fees, so bring some with you.

Sweetwater Reservoir covers 960 acres (390 ha) and was formed by Sweetwater Dam, completed in 1888. Together with Loveland Reservoir it drains a 230-square-mile (600 km2) basin. The shoreline and surrounding land hold least Bell's vireo and the California gnatcatcher, two birds a visitor with binoculars may look for near Bonita, La Presa and Spring Valley.