Lauro Canyon Reservoir Fishing in Santa Barbara County, California

• Overview

  Lauro Canyon Reservoir is one of the Santa Barbara County waters in California. It stands 577 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 22 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Ground here is low by California standards. Mission Canyon at 0.8 miles is the nearest place to stop. Then Santa Barbara, 2.9 miles, and Montecito, 5.5 miles. The nearest edge is a long way off, so local rules apply throughout.

• Where to Fish on Lauro Canyon Reservoir

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Records collected within a few miles name rainbow trout, green sunfish, smallmouth bass, bluegill and largemouth bass. The list reflects reported sightings and surveys rather than what is stocked. Work Lauro Canyon Reservoir in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put August at about 69°F and January near 52°F. The surface stays open the year round. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. On Lauro Canyon Reservoir that shapes the whole year. Spring warms the shallows first, so start there.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. There is somewhere to leave the car, half a mile off. A picnic site half a mile off makes this workable with family in tow. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. The nearest alternative is Laguna Blanca, 2.5 miles out. Confirm access to Lauro Canyon Reservoir locally before you travel.