Lake Sutherland
San Diego County Bass, Crappie, Catfish, Sunfish, Carp
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Lake Sutherland Fishing Overview

Water Description

Lake Sutherland, set in the foothills near Cleveland National Forest, lies about 40 miles from downtown San Diego. Though it may not receive as much spotlight as other fisheries in San Diego County, when water levels are right, Sutherland offers quality fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, among other warm-water species. The lake's boat and recreation guidelines cater to anglers, and the results speak for themselves. Over the years, Sutherland has been home to some impressive fish. Notable catches include a 16-pound largemouth and...

Lake Sutherland, set in the foothills near Cleveland National Forest, lies about 40 miles from downtown San Diego. Though it may not receive as much spotlight as other fisheries in San Diego County, when water levels are right, Sutherland offers quality fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie, among other warm-water species.

The lake's boat and recreation guidelines cater to anglers, and the results speak for themselves. Over the years, Sutherland has been home to some impressive fish. Notable catches include a 16-pound largemouth and a staggering 58-pound blue catfish, both of which hold lake records. However, dry winters in California can reduce water levels substantially. When this happens, many of the lake's facilities, such as boat rentals and the launch ramp, temporarily close. This leaves fishing to mainly shore and kayak anglers.

Species:
Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Bullhead, Common Carp
Trophy Fish:
  • Largemouth Bass: 16.125 lb (1989)
  • Blue Catfish: 53.80 lb (1997)
  • Black Crappie: 3.25 lb (2002)
  • Channel Catfish: 24 lb (1994)
Boating / Access:
Most boating allowed. No personal watercraft or water skiing. Rentals available. Please see regulations.
Geography:
Surface Area: 556 acres
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Latest Fishing Reports

Bass

Sutherland is finally starting to get a fairly consistent bass bite. The fish aren't overly active, so finesse plastics, subtle presentations, and stop/start retrieves are getting the most action. Most fish have been around 1 pound, but a 7-pounder was hooked earlier last month.

3 anglers found this report useful
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Bass

The dramatic water level increase since the lake opening has thrown fishing for a loop. Bass are finicky and haven't established any consistent behavior pattern yet. Still, fish are being caught... some in the 6-7 pound range. The finesse bite has been best, although folks are also getting action on stop/start jerkbait fishing. Once water levels...

The dramatic water level increase since the lake opening has thrown fishing for a loop. Bass are finicky and haven't established any consistent behavior pattern yet. Still, fish are being caught... some in the 6-7 pound range. The finesse bite has been best, although folks are also getting action on stop/start jerkbait fishing. Once water levels stabilize, fishing should improve.

2 anglers found this report useful
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Other Nearby Reports

Barrett’s been on a heater, plain and simple. Post-spawn bass are feeding aggressively, with numbers and size both in play. 50 fish days with top fish in the 6-7 pound range...

Bass fishing at Lower Otay has been very good as post-spawn patterns take hold. Water temps are sitting in the low to mid 70s, and bass are feeding up across the lake. Finesse...

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Lake Sutherland Map

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