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“Lights at the Lake” at the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve features 100,000 lights and three dozen displays nightly through December 28. Photo: Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve holiday activities

San Diego Regional Reservoirs Offer Holiday Activities

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Several of San Diego County’s most popular reservoir recreation areas offer special holiday events through 2023 and host winter activities during the region’s cooler months.

Santee Lakes shows its holiday spirit

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve hosts the “Lights at the Lake” drive through holiday show through December 28. It features more than 100,000 lights and three dozen displays to brighten your holidays. Hours are 5:45 p.m. through 8:45 p.m. (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). You must buy tickets in advance at https://santeelakes.ticketspice.com/lights-at-the-lakes-2023.

See a video preview.

Santa Claus visits with kids on December 21, 22, and 23.

Trout fishing season is in full swing. Lakes 4 and 5 were recently stocked with 1,000 pounds of trout.

For the second year in a row, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve was nationally recognized by the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (formerly ARVC) as its large/mega park Plan-it Green Park of the Year for its environmentally friendly practices across all areas of park operations and its commitment to sustainability. Judges make their decisions based on several criteria: guest experiences, all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service, and industry involvement.

Originally opened to the public in 1961, today, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve hosts over 760,000 visitors annually. The 190-acre park’s lakes are stocked with fish year-round. Other amenities include camping, cabin rentals, fishing, boating, playgrounds, walking trails, facility rentals, special events, and approximately 230 bird species.

Lake Jennings open for winter fun

A happy angler shows off his catch at Lake Jennings. Photo: Lake Jennings/Facebook

A happy angler shows off his catch at Lake Jennings. Photo: Lake Jennings/Facebook

Lake Jennings is open daily except on Christmas Day from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. through January 7. Trout fishing season is in full swing, with the lake fully stocked with 1,500 pounds of rainbow trout. It will be restocked again the week of December 25 and January 8 and 22.

The lake will be open for its New Moon Fishing event on Saturday, January 13, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, sunset watching, star gazing, and firepit rentals. The lake will be freshly stocked with 1,500 lbs. of rainbow trout. The entrance gate closes at 8 p.m.; full-sized lanterns are required after sunset. Get more information about activities at https://lakejennings.org/

Lake Jennings is a popular destination for birding and viewing wildlife, like this red-tailed hawk. Photo: Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings is a popular destination for birding and viewing wildlife, like this red-tailed hawk. Photo: Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings is an exceptional destination during winter months for the serious and casual wildlife viewer and photographer. The rolling hills, the endless lake, the coastal sage, and the riparian areas provide a diverse habitat in a small area. Common sightings include deer, fox, and osprey. Bird watchers are drawn to Lake Jennings for its rich variety of bird species.

Free Fishing Sundays coming to an end at Sweetwater Reservoir

Just two Sundays are left to enjoy Sweetwater Reservoir’s “Free Fishing Sundays.”

Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible to Authority customers and offers outdoor activities, including 2.5 miles of shoreline fishing and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.

The entrance is at 3203 Summit Meadow Road in Bonita. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees remain in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. For information on current hours, fees, and safety, visit www.sweetwater.org/fishing.

The reservoir is primarily a local water supply for the Authority’s 200,000 customers in National City, Chula Vista, and Bonita. The Sweetwater Authority has created recreational opportunities, including fishing programs and a riding and hiking trail at Sweetwater operated by the County of San Diego through a license from the Authority.

 

 

 

Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019

Recent Water Transfers from Loveland Reservoir Provide Ecological Benefit

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Chula Vista, Calif. – In fall 2022 and winter 2023, Sweetwater Authority transferred storage water from Loveland Reservoir to Sweetwater Reservoir to meet customer drinking water needs. Years of prolong drought conditions created a need to transfer the water to Sweetwater Reservoir, where it can be treated and distributed to Authority customers at a lower cost than importing water. The water that leaves Loveland Reservoir is conveyed via the natural Sweetwater River course, a length of approximately 17 miles. Along the way, the river traverses natural habitats, including both state and federal ecological wildlife preserves.

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Supervisors OK Land Purchases to Expand Two County Nature Preserves

/in , , /by /Times of San Diegoby Elizabeth Ireland and City News Service

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Wednesday unanimously approved land purchases to increase two nature preserves.

The board approved spending $2.8 million to acquire 425 acres for the Mount Olympus County Preserve in Pala-Pauma and Rainbow and $5.3 million for 190 acres to increase Sweetwater Regional Park in Spring Valley.

The addition will expand the Mount Olympus County Preserve to over 1,200 acres and provide large shrubland habitat for deer, mountain lion and other sensitive species, according to Shauni Lyles, a San Diego County communications specialist.

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Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019

Sweetwater Authority Waives Fishing Fees on Saturdays and Sundays at Sweetwater Reservoir

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Chula Vista, Calif. — Sweetwater Authority expanded its “Free Fishing” promotion to include Saturdays and Sundays at the Sweetwater Reservoir Recreation Program. Free access begins Saturday, April 22 and will continue through the end of 2023.

Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, California, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible to Authority customers and offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including shoreline fishing and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.

The program’s shoreline fishing access stretches along a 2.5 mile stretch on the south side of Sweetwater Reservoir. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, bluegill, red eared sunfish and crappie.

The program is currently open Friday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance is located at 3203 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees are still in effect on Fridays and Mondays.

Sweetwater Authority is a public water agency providing safe, reliable water to National City, Chula Vista and Bonita.

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How the Recent Storms Impacted San Diego’s Water Supply in Reservoirs

/in , , /by /Fox 5 San Diegoby Danielle Dawson

With recent storm systems that swept through the west, California has seen more precipitation this year than normal, bringing the water supply stored in reservoirs — both locally and across the state — up from historic lows to levels that are some of the highest in years.

And with drought conditions having improved in much of California, experts say that the amount of water captured from this year’s particularly wet winter could help ease the impact of hotter, drier weather in San Diego, as the state recovers its depleted water supplies.

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Sweetwater Reservoir Open to Free Fishing on Sundays in 2023

/in , , /by /Water News Network

The Sweetwater Reservoir now offers “Free Fishing Sundays” through the Sweetwater Authority’s Reservoir Recreation Program. Free access weekly on Sundays will continue through the end of 2023.

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The Sweetwater Reservoir will offer free fishing on Sundays throughout 2023. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Reservoir Open to Free Fishing on Sundays in 2023  

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The Sweetwater Reservoir now offers “Free Fishing Sundays” through the Sweetwater Authority’s Reservoir Recreation Program. Free access weekly on Sundays will continue through the end of 2023.

Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible to the water agency’s customers. The program offers outdoor activities including 2.5 miles of shoreline fishing, and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.

Beginning March 1, program hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance is at 3203 Summit Meadow Road in Bonita. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees are still in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays.

New program, free access

The new program extends this opportunity due to the recent closure of Loveland Reservoir to recreational use.

“We recognize that the recent closure of Loveland Reservoir has impacted recreation access,” said Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “We hope that by offering free access to the program on Sundays, customers and local residents will come out and enjoy these outdoor recreational activities located right here in our own community.”

A California Fishing License is required, and the Authority has established rules to ensure the protection of the water supply and sensitive habitats surrounding its reservoirs. For more information on current hours, fees, and safety, visit www.sweetwater.org/fishing.

San Diego County lakes prized for freshwater fishing

A happy angler shows off his catch at the Sweetwater Reservoir. Photo: Fishbrain.com Free fishing

A happy angler shows off his catch at the Sweetwater Reservoir. Photo: Fishbrain.com

San Diego County’s freshwater fishing in area reservoirs and lakes managed by the region’s water agencies attracts experts and beginners alike. Eighteen of the County’s 24 reservoirs allow fishing, including the 960-acre Sweetwater Reservoir.

According to FishedThat.com, Sweetwater Reservoir is rated among San Diego County’s top three freshwater fishing locations. Fish available in the reservoir include carp, largemouth bass, bluegill, red-eared sunfish, channel catfish, and crappie.

Fifth-grade students in the Sweetwater service area were also provided free fishing passes for the year through their schools.

Primarily a local water supply for the Sweetwater Authority’s 200,000 customers in National City, Chula Vista, and Bonita, the agency has created recreational opportunities at the reservoir including fishing programs and a riding and hiking trail, operated by the County of San Diego.

(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019

Sweetwater Authority Waives Fishing Fees on Sundays at Sweetwater Reservoir

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Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority announced a new “Free Fishing Sundays” promotion at the Sweetwater Reservoir Recreation Program. Free access begins this Sunday, February 19 and will continue through the end of 2023.

Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, California, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible to Authority customers and offers an abundance of outdoor activities, including shoreline fishing and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.

The program’s shoreline fishing access stretches along a 2.5 mile stretch on the south side of Sweetwater Reservoir. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, bluegill, red eared sunfish and crappie.

The program is currently open Friday through Monday, from 7 am to 4 pm. Beginning March 1st, the program will be open from 7 am to 5 pm. The entrance is located at 3203 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita, CA 91902. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees are still in effect on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.

“We recognize that the recent closure of Loveland Reservoir has impacted recreation access,” said Authority Board Chair Hector Martinez. “We hope that by offering free access to the program on Sundays, customers and local residents will come out and enjoy these outdoor recreational activities located right here in our own community.”

Fifth grade students in the Authority’s service area were also provided free fishing passes for the year through their schools. For more information about the Authority’s Recreation Program, go to: www.sweetwater.org/recreation.

(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the San Diego County region.) 

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Sweetwater Authority Captures More Than 1 Billion Gallons of Rain From Recent Storms

/in , , /by /NBC San Diegoby Joe Little

The rain in December and January is still paying off for 200,000 South Bay residents.

The Sweetwater Authority, which provides water to customers in Western Chula Vista, Bonita, and National City, just opened a massive valve in the Loveland Dam Thursday to send water to the Sweetwater Reservoir for the second time in two months.

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Drought Prompts Water Transfer Between Loveland and Sweetwater Reservoirs

/in , , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Tammy Murga Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Sweetwater Authority has begun transferring water between its two reservoirs in response to drought conditions, the agency announced. The move has paused access to fishing at Loveland Reservoir and local anglers fear that continued draining will result in a permanent end to one of the few, free options to fish in the region.

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