Cachuma Lake Instagram

10 weeks ago - ”Better late than never! Another 4,000-pounds of Rainbow Trout made their splash this evening. This is the third 4,000-pound trout plant of the stocking season, all courtesy of Mt. Lassen Trout Farms, Inc. The rain may have passed, but the rainbows are here to stay! Plan your next fishing adventure soon, and please be sure to check boat launch protocols, weather and road conditions before visiting the park.”

February 27, 2024

Ted “Doc” Ceder . . .

  • DOC HERE. HAVE BEEN UP, YET GETTING BETTER. LAKE FULL LOOKS TO BE A GREAT SPRING FISHERY. CHECK WITH LEW FOR RECENT REPORTS. I'LL BE UP THERE SOON.

Lew Riffle . . .

  • So you don’t want milk in your tea?  Sorry but that’s just the way it’s gotta be!  Ole Cachuma is brim full with a moderate flow from the Santa Ynez going through it.  

  • The lake seems to have turned over from the recent storms and the stratified water column has had it’s reset button pushed.  Needless to say the fishing is kind of tough with low visibility from suspended sediment making it hard on the fish and one’s anticipation for late winter fishing.  

  • Some fish are to be had and reasonably this will get better as the rain season ends and stay tuned for spring.  The valley is becoming a verdant wonder with all this rain.    

  • Small bass are to be had in along the flooded edges hiding in the brush and logs. You can chuck a fly at them or safely use an indicator and float your rig.   

  • Trout are around and best trolled for. A sinking head and the same fly you use for bass will work fine.  The Kinky Muddlers are a go to fly.  Hook Line and Sinker (tackle shop) has some; and reportedly, Blue Water Hunter down at the harbor will be carrying these flies as well.

January 24, 2024

Cachuma Lake water temps are in the mid 50's and it has gone well into winter mode. Can you expect slow fishing...you bet! But what a place to be on a nice winter day!

There are some bass to had with the smallmouth having a bit of a flurry the past couple of weeks. Trolling for trout between bass spots was also good but has seemed to slown down some recently.

You can use your bass fly on a sinking line to troll rather well. Small shad imitations were working for both on a sinking line along the north shore of the lake while either casting against the cliff faces that drop down into the deeper water. Troll for trout pretty much the same areas.

There are some of Casey Cloud's Kinky Minnows available at Hook Line and Sinker if you need a high confidence pattern for the lake.

-Lew Riffle, SBFF past president