Lake Cachuma

[Riplip]

Hey Socal, just a Nocal guy who now has a daughter attending UCSB. I have driven 154 past Cachuma six or so times this year and have yet to see a bassboat on it, or for that matter, hardly any boats at all. Whazzup??? Looks like lotsa shallow brushy coves along the road side and steeper rocky banks across the lake. I noticed plenty of long tapering points as well as some flat areas. Looks like a good lake to me. If that lake was that close to a city the size of Santa Barbara in Nocal it would be crawling with lake lice and wakeboard boats all weekend! Is there some kind of speed or motor restriction? Does the fishing suck, or is the water toxic or something? I might trailer the boat down one of these trips to get in a little fishing, or maybe hook up with one of you locals to learn a little about this lake, since I will be comming down this way frequently for the next three and a half years.

Just wondering? Thanx!

[TopGrJim]

We in Santa Barbara are pretty lucky!! No swimming, skiing, etc or water contact with Cachuma. It's a great lake in my opinion. Year around fishery. Large and small mouth. Trout year round as well due to depth of the lake. Cachuma is a county park and is operated by them. UCSB has the practice for the rowing teams there as well.

You don't see the most fished areas from the 154 hwy. You are looking North and the coves to the north are not visible. There is one island (Arrowhead) and you do see that. The closest view to Santa Barbara is where the Santa Ynez river feeds in; that is the main source. Several creeks feed in also.

Stop in on the way by. The staff will give you a map and a visit pass for 15 mins or so.

I am not the best guide but do like the lake. We fish it often.

Welcome to the SB area!!
Jim Garrett