Santa Barbara County Fishing Reports

Guide Rich Tauber reports that Cachuma has been “incredible” for 2–3 pound bass lately, mentioning that soft plastics are the name of the game and fish are being caught anywhere from 5 to 25 feet of water. Other reports are just as consistent, stating dropshots, Ned rigs, and shakey heads are doing the damage. Tauber says the bass fishing is “some of the best we’ve seen in years.” There’s also mention of a likely trout plant coming this week in prep for an upcoming trout derby. Crappie and sunfish action remains slow.

Rumors are swirling that another 4,000 pounds of trout were stocked at Cachuma last week, though it’s unconfirmed. Trout action has been decent—shore anglers are picking off fish on Micetails and mini jigs, but the boat crowd is doing better trolling spoons and Rapalas in 25–35 feet of water.

The spring bass bite is starting to wake up, but it’s not wide open yet. Most fish are smaller males—big females haven’t moved up shallow. Once water temps hold in the high 50s to low 60s, expect that to change. For now, finesse is key: dropshots and T-rigged worms are doing the work. A few anglers are also getting bit on squarebills. Look for the bite to really turn on in the next week or so.

Cachuma Lake received a 4,000-pound trout stocking (ranging from 1/2 to 8 pounds) from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms, Inc. in late November. Although the trout haven’t fully settled in yet. A few shore anglers have reported catching some on PowerBait, while boaters have had limited success with spinners or pulling spoons. For now, the action is still slow, but the bite is expected to pick up in another week or so.

Bass fishing has been good, though most fish have moved deeper than 20 feet. Drop-shot Roboworms and jigs are your best bet, focusing on points and submerged rock.