The distribution characteristics and sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in surface sediments of Jinpen Reservoir were investigated using fluorescence ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and excitation-emission matrix spectra combined with parallel analysis (EEMs-PARAFAC). The correlation between source of DOM and soluble organic or soluble inorganic nitrogen was explored. The results showed that three fluorescent components were identified by PARAFAC model in surface sediments of Jinpen Reservoir, including fulvic-like component (C1:235 nm, 315 nm/430 nm), protein-like (C2:220 nm, 275 nm/330 nm) and humic-like (C3:265 nm/520 nm). The relative proportions of C1, C2 and C3 were 43.15%, 31.54% and 25.31%, respectively. DOM showed spatial distribution characteristics, which first decreased then increased from upstream to the reservoir area. The spectral slop (S_275-295, S_350-400) and the spectral slope ratio (S_R) could be used to distinguish the difference in endogenesis and terrigenous component from different sampling sites. Based on the fluorescence index, biological index and humification index, the DOM of sediments exhibited both endogenous and terrigenous contribution in Jinpen Reservoir. Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity had significantly correlation with soluble organic and soluble inorganic nitrogen, and DOM was closely related to the migration and transformation of nitrogen in sediments.