Fishing Van Norman Bypass Reservoir in Los Angeles County, California

• Overview

  California holds Van Norman Bypass Reservoir, in Los Angeles County. It stands 1,155 feet above sea level. This is a pocket water of some 13 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Nearest place of any size is Sylmar, 2.4 miles away. For a city, Santa Clarita is 7.5 miles off. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Van Norman Bypass Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Fish reported in the area, according to open records, include koi. Reporting is uneven, so absence from the list means little. At Van Norman Bypass Reservoir light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  August is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 77°F, while January sits near 54°F. Nothing shuts down for cold, so the question is when in the day to go. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. At Van Norman Bypass Reservoir the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  The access position is unclear from public sources. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. A picnic area is mapped about half a mile away. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. One rod, a handful of hooks and floats, and a few small lures are enough for this water. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Fishing rules and camping rules are set separately here. Monteria Lake sits 5.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Signs at Van Norman Bypass Reservoir carry more weight than any list.