Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
The Cleveland National Forest has fishing and hunting opportunities.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Loveland Reservoir is an area with specific regulations
Loveland reservoir is owned and operated by Sweetwater Authority, a public water agency. The reservoir stores drinking water for more than 175,000 residents of Chula Vista, National City and Bonita, California.
To protect and Preserve water quality and the natural habitat, Sweetwater Authority and the USDA Forest Service established a partnership in 1997 to provide public fishing access along a five-mile portion of the shoreline. In exchange for a parcel of land near the reservoir, previously owned by the U.S. Government, Sweetwater Authority provided land near Descanso, California to the National Forest System. This exchange increased natural habitat and forest lands available to San Diego County and Southern California residents and wildlife.
Fishing activities at Loveland Reservoir are designed to protect public health and benefit the community. Activities will be monitored by Sweetwater Authority. Please stay in designated areas. Fishing access is limited to posted areas within hours of operations, posted on Sweetwater Authority website. All County, State and Federal regulations will be enforced. Discharge of human waste in or around the reservoir is a violation of state law.
The following files are PDF versions of our Loveland Reservoir Fishing flyer. They are large, graphically intensive files and may taken extra time to download on slower connections.
River and Stream Fishing
There are currently few locations to fish on the Cleveland. Many areas that do have fish are closely monitored to expand fish populations and encourage natural migration and breeding. As fish populations reach more sustainable numbers, the Cleveland may once again offer fishing options.
Fishing on the Cleveland National Forest is regulated by the CA Dept of Fish and Game. A current valid California fishing license is required for all anglers over 16 years of age. Many of these can be purchased at your local sports and outdoors store. For more information, please see the Fishing in California on the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife website.
Looking for a local spot? Why not try Trabuco Creek- Is regularly stocked with rainbow trout by the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife from a local hatchery.
Hunting
Hunting is a seasonal activity, and the rules are simple: Follow the state laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing. Forests and grasslands may place some areas as off limits to hunting. So check in with your local Forest Service ranger to be sure you are following all the rules.
Hunting is permitted during hunting seasons designated by the California State Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Licenses are available Online, at any CDFW License Sales Office or License Agent.
The Cleveland National Forest is open to hunting in the pursuit of birds and game according to the current season schedule and hunting regulations set by the California Department of Fish and Game. In addition to a hunting license, certain areas on the forest may require a Forest Adventure Pass. Passes can be purchased at local Forest Service offices or National Forest Adventure Pass vendors. For additional information contact your local Forest Service office.
A state hunting license is required for taking any bird or mammal. Hunters must carry licenses and be prepared to show them upon request. Guns and other equipment used for hunting must also be shown upon request. In addition to a hunting license, state and federal duck stamps are required to take migratory waterfowl, and an upland game bird stamp is required to take pheasants, turkey, doves, pigeon, snipe, grouse, quail, partridge and chukar.
National Forest lands are often surrounded and intertwined with private land. Please be careful to ensure you are on National Forest lands during your hunting activities. Information on where you can hunt and trails you can use to enter remote areas of the forest can be obtained from your nearest Forest Service office.
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