Loch Lomond

Update on Fish Stocking at Loch Lomond Reservoir

Fish stocking in Loch Lomond Reservoir by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to protect the Santa Cruz Water Department’s system from potential impacts of an emerging invasive species threat in California.

In October 2024, Golden Mussels were discovered in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta — the first known detection of this invasive species in North America. Like other invasive mussels, Golden Mussels can pose a serious threat to water infrastructure by clogging inlet screens, pumps, and other equipment critical to the operation of reservoirs and water treatment facilities.

Golden Mussels are primarily spread through watercraft, such as boats and rafts. While personal watercraft are not allowed in Loch Lomond Reservoir, the Santa Cruz Water Department is taking proactive steps to reduce any potential risk.

At this time, the City’s water system is not connected to any affected water bodies, nor does it receive water from any agencies currently impacted by Golden Mussels.

More information on Golden Mussels and where they have been found in California is available in the following resources from the California State Department of Fish and Wildlife:

• California’s Invaders: Golden Mussel
• Golden Mussel Fact Sheet

Thanks for your understanding and helping us protect this vital source of local drinking water.

Update January 10, 2025: New "Loch Walk" Info

Loch Lomond Recreation Area (LLRA) is owned and operated by the City of Santa Cruz Water Department. Loch Lomond Reservoir's primary function is water storage for Santa Cruz residents. The Recreation work group that operates LLRA is part of the City of Santa Cruz Water Department's Watershed Section along with the Water Resources Management work group. A range of activities can be found at LLRA including boat rentals, picnicking, fishing, hiking and natural resources interpretive programming. LLRA staff also provide surveillance and security on surrounding City watershed lands and riparian conservation areas.

Map of Loch Lomond and Surrounding Trails and Other Facilities(PDF, 901KB)

Fees and Rentals

New Fee Schedule effective November 1, 2023(PDF, 85KB)

Vehicle Entrance Fee

• Vehicle Day Use Fee - $10
• Vehicle Season Pass - $100

Boat Rental Operations

Electric Motor Boat (aluminum)

• 2 hr minimum M-F, $60 first 2 hours, $30 each hour thereafter, $180 all day
• 3 hr minimum on weekends and holidays before noon, $90 first 3 hours, $30 each hour thereafter, $180 all day

Row Boats (aluminum), Paddle Boats and Nucanoes
(Note: No reservations available for Nucanoes)

• 2 hr minimum, $30 first 2 hours, $15 each hour thereafter, $90 all day

Boats are Rented on a First Come, First Served Basis

• All boats must be off the lake 1 hour prior to park closing time
• No outside boats/paddleboards allowed with the exception of boats in the private boat storage program (details below).
• A limited number of boats (excluding Nucanoes) may be reserved for the maximum daily rate by calling (831) 335-7424 at least one day prior. No refunds.
• You may bring your own electric motor/marine battery for use on our row boats
  (subject to mandatory inspection for clean, dry prop prior to use)

Alcohol Permits

(Over 21 years of age, ID required)

• 1-5 adults: $5
• 5+ adults: $50

Group Reservation Picnic Areas

• Vista Point group area $70.00
• Upper Loch group area $70.00
• Wedding venue $250.00

Reservations may be made by calling (831) 335-7424

Activities

Swimming is Prohibited

• Hiking
• Boat Rentals
• Fishing (DFW licenses sold here)
• Picnicking (charcoal BBQ pits available)
• Group picnics (oversized BBQ pits available)
• Weddings
• Park store with limited selection of snacks and drinks, tackle, bait
• School environmental education events
• Free public natural history education events ("Loch Walks")
• Free on-the-water interpretive tours

Loch Lomond is a pet friendly recreation area!

Pets on leash are welcome on all trails and picnic areas. However, they are not permitted on our rental boats or in the reservoir.

For the latest information on fish stocking at Loch Lomond please go to this California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Private Boat Storage Program

Due to the concern regarding contamination of the reservoir with aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as Eurasian mussels, private boat launching will be restricted to allow only boats that are stored at the Loch Lomond Recreation Area. Annual storage fee for trailered boats is $425 and $325 for non-trailered boats. This includes inspection/decontamination and launch fees. New in 2018 we started a half-season storage program available as well. The fee for half-season storage of trailered boats is $275 and the half-season storage fee for non-trailered boats is $175 The half season rate begins after June 15th. Entrance fees still apply. Boats may be removed but must be decontaminated ($30 fee) prior to re-entry into Loch Lomond Reservoir. Annual passes are also available for sale. Space is limited to about 100 boats. Limited boat trailer space is also available. A substantial rental fleet is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff can be contacted at 831-335-7424 for more information.

For more information regarding aquatic invasive species (AIS) please go to this California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.

Free Boat Tours

Beginning in April, interpretive tours on the "Newell Jewell" pontoon boat will be offered the second weekend of the month on both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am - noon. Tours can accommodate up to 25 people, with sign-ups in the park store. First come, first served. Tours are offered free of charge.

2025 Loch Walks

All events are free however attendance will be limited. Please contact us directly for more event details and stay tuned here for additional walk details.