Fishing along the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz

Destinations West California Santa Cruz, California

Fishing along the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz

Fishing along the San Lorenzo River offers a unique opportunity for anglers to experience both thriving ecosystems and scenic beauty right in the heart of Santa Cruz. Stretching from the Santa Cruz Mountains down to the Pacific Ocean, the river provides a variety of habitats, making it a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious beginner, this guide will help you make the most of your experience.

Adventure Guide To Fishing along the San Lorenzo River

DeLaveaga Park Area: Located just a short drive from downtown Santa Cruz, this stretch of the San Lorenzo River combines convenience with peaceful surroundings. Popular for catch-and-release fishing, this area is known for steelhead trout during the winter months. Keep in mind that steelhead fishing typically requires a special California Steelhead Report Card in addition to a fishing license. Parking is available at the nearby park, and the shady trails leading to the river make this spot easily accessible.
Felton Covered Bridge Park: Head upriver to Felton, a small community about 15 minutes from Santa Cruz. The scenic backdrop of the historic covered bridge adds charm while the river’s calm pools and riffles offer a good mix of fishing conditions. Anglers here target smaller rainbow trout and occasional steelhead in season. Family-friendly, this area has restrooms, picnic spots, and free parking nearby.
Santa Cruz Riverwalk: For those looking for a more urban fishing experience, the Santa Cruz Riverwalk provides access points to the river near downtown. Though fishing is less common here, it’s worth a try during designated fishing seasons. The proximity to shops and cafes makes it a convenient option for combining a fishing trip with other activities.

Local Insights

The San Lorenzo River plays a vital ecological role in Santa Cruz, serving as a habitat for steelhead and coho salmon. Recovery efforts and conservation programs focus on protecting these species, so always check current regulations for restrictions or closures.

Visitor Tips

Best Times: December through April for steelhead. Fishing is prohibited outside permitted seasons to protect native fish.
What to Bring: A valid California fishing license, steelhead report card (if applicable), polarized sunglasses, and layered clothing.
Directions: From downtown Santa Cruz, drive north on Highway 9 for access points like Felton (15–20 minutes) or park closer to DeLaveaga (10 minutes east).

Adventure Map

Reviews

Kojicat T4 years ago

Nice river! This river is about 26 miles long so if you can't get down to it on one spot there should be another spot.

thischip 9003 years ago

its a good river i did drown in it tho so 4 stars

Brian DiGiorgio Zanger2 years ago

A formerly great river that has unfortunately fallen from grace. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the San Lorenzo was as much of a tourist attraction for Santa Cruz as its beaches were, with its gentle curves and forested banks, but after the floods of the 1950s, the Army Corps of Engineers walled in the river with giant earthen levees, restricting the flow to a sterile linear course through the city. This isn't the worst thing by itself though, as there are still nice trees, grasses, and flowers that grow by the slightly less meandering river. No, the real crime here is that the city has taken the river away from the people, restricting the ability of its citizens to even touch the river. For almost its entire run through the city, it's illegal to go to the river's bank, meaning that most people in the city aren't even aware of the natural treasure that runs through its heart. Only by ignoring the legal warnings can you take in the sounds of the flowing water, varying from a stagnant lagoon in late summer to a roaring flood after a storm. If you're walking on the Riverwalk through town, I recommend venturing down the inner faces of the levees, through the grasses, shrubs, and trees (careful not to intrude on anyone's campsite) to enjoy the river that should be yours.

Melyssa Demma5 years ago

Except you can't go down on The River bed because the county is afraid you might be a homeless person looking for a place to camp🤔

Dark Technology Joe Ramirez4 years ago

They refuse to clean the debris out of the water.