Loch Lomond Reservoir filled to the brim

Heavy February rains have raised water levels at the Loch Lomond Reservoir to the brim. The reservoir has battled with drought in years past, but this year the change is dramatic. Just in time for fishing season.

March first comes almost like Christmas for fisherman along the body of water, with the majestic Loch Lomond Reservoir opening its doors for the season. And this year, it’s extra special. “It’s nice to see it full… it’s great, everyone is really buzzed and excited,” says Darren Huxley (ranger assistant).

Darren isn’t the only one excited about the water levels. Fisherman, Mike Burkett says, “There were people actually waiting in line I think they got in at six at night, and waited all through the night, and slept in their car!”

Burkett tells KION when the water is this high, the fishing is just better. But sometimes, fisherman aren’t so fortunate. Toby Goddard with the City of Santa Cruz Water Dept. says, “there were times we had to close it, because boats couldn’t get it access to the launch ramp, it was too low.”

When the water levels are too low, the park can’t open. That takes a toll on the fishing community. “A lot of us having been coming out here since we were kids, and it’s almost like you loose a little something, that you don’t get to do something you’ve done your whole life,” says, Burkett.

Luckily, that’s not a problem this year. If you had a dollar for every gallon of water that was in this reservoir, you’d be set. “2.8 billion gallons of water in there. It’s three miles long, just
under three miles long. And a quarter of a mile wide. In most places … one hundred feet deep,” says Huxley.

While the reservoir may have had a few rough years, at least for now, Mike and Darren are enjoying what they call their blessings.