Fishing Lake Cachuma In Central CA
AKA: Cachuma Lake, Cachuma Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Cachuma, CA
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Lake Cachuma. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. White crappie, in slightly fewer numbers, also make this lake their home. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake Cachuma is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals and tournament anglers alike. While fishing success can vary day to day, overall it's a good bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. A history of careful fisheries management by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.
Channel Catfish Fishing
To fish for catfish on Lake Cachuma, most any rod and reel will work, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment improves success. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. Lake Cachuma has a decent population of channel catfish, and they are eager to bite. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, bluegill and redear sunfish at Lake Cachuma in California.
Lake Cachuma Fishing Video
One of the top freshwater fishing lakes in Southern California, Lake Cachuma has a lot to offer visiting anglers. This is a 3,100 acre impoundment, located 18 miles northeast of Santa Barbara. Bass and trout over 10 pounds, catfish over 30 pounds, and plenty of quality fish reside here.
Lake Cachuma, located in the Santa Ynez Valley of California, is a renowned fishing destination offering a wide variety of species and a picturesque setting. The lake is well-known for its excellent bass fishing, with both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass thriving in its waters. Anglers can test their skills and techniques to lure these prized game fish, known for their hard fight and acrobatic leaps. Additionally, the lake is home to other popular species such as rainbow trout, catfish, crappie, and bluegill, providing anglers with diverse fishing opportunities throughout the year.
Lake Cachuma also boasts amenities and activities beyond fishing. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, bird-watching, and wildlife observation in the surrounding Santa Ynez Mountains. The lake's calm waters are suitable for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming, providing additional recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
For those seeking a memorable fishing experience in a scenic setting, Lake Cachuma in California offers abundant opportunities. Whether you're targeting bass, trout, catfish, or panfish, the lake's diverse fishery and breathtaking backdrop make it a top choice for anglers of all skill levels. With boating facilities, camping options, and a range of recreational activities, Lake Cachuma provides a well-rounded outdoor experience for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts alike.
Shoreline fishing, kayaks, canoes and all types of boats are methods for catching fish in this popular fishery. Trout stockings during cooler months keep the trout fishing active and help some of the monster bass in Cachuma grow even bigger.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Cachuma.
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Cachuma Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NEARBY
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity at Lake Cachuma, allowing anglers to explore the expansive waters and access prime fishing spots. The lake has boat ramps available for launching various watercraft, including fishing boats, pontoons, and kayaks. Anglers can cruise along the scenic shoreline, target specific fishing areas, and enjoy the tranquility of the lake while pursuing their favorite species.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Cachuma Lake Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, deck boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoons
805 688-4040
Marinas
Cachuma Lake Marina
116 136 Lakeview Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805 688-4040
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Cachuma Lake Marina
Located mid lake, southwest side, off Lakeview Drive, this is a five-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Cachuma
Jonathan Davis Fishing Guide Service - bass, trout
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a California fishing license.
Camping facilities at Lake Cachuma offer a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the area. The lake features several campgrounds with a range of options, from tent camping to RV sites, accommodating all types of campers. With picturesque views of the lake and surrounding hills, campers can enjoy a serene outdoor experience and be in close proximity to the fishing action.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area Campground - 805 686-5055
Live Oak Camp - 805 686-5097
Fremont Campground - 805 967-8766
Lake Cachuma CA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Cachuma
County Of Santa Barbara Parks
123 E. Anapamu St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805 568-2460
Fishing lakes in each state.
100924
Lake Cachuma in Central California.
CALIFORNIA
Come fish for big bass, giant trout and monster catfish in west-central CA.