The following information is a partial extract from the VAFB Hunting & Fishing Regulation. Please read it for additional fishing information.
15.4.1.1. Vandenberg AFB Coastal (Ocean) Fishing: Vandenberg AFB Coastal (ocean) fishing is permitted twenty-four hours a day, except in the Vandenberg State Marine Reserve. (See Para. 15.4.2.1 below.) Seasonal access restrictions identified in paragraph 8.2.2 and other restrictions, e.g., Boathouse, Para. 19.9, of this Instruction apply.
15.4.2. Not Authorized:
15.4.2.1. Vandenberg State Marine Reserve: The coastline and adjacent waters from Purisma Point south to VAFB’s Boathouse are protected as State of California designated Vandenberg State Marine Reserve. No taking of any marine wildlife including fishing is permitted, except for active duty personnel and their dependents who are allowed to fish within the VSMR as authorized 30 SW/CC. However, fishing at Surf Beach is not included in this authorization.
15.4.2.2. Other Closed Areas: All VAFB coastal access areas are closed to fishing, excluding those areas stated in paragraph 15.4.1
8.2. Boundaries of Seasonally Restricted Areas:
8.2.2. California Least Tern/Western Snowy Plover Nesting Areas. The area west of the railroad tracks on North Vandenberg AFB, from the southern boundary of hunting area A3, north to Casmalia Beach Rd. (includes portions of Areas B2 and C2) is off-limits to all recreational activity from 1 March through 30 September each year. The least tern nesting area immediately south of Purisma Point, as identified on base hunting and fishing maps, is also included in this closure. Surf Beach west of the railroad tracks, from the Santa Ynez River mouth south 3.7 miles to the first rock outcrop; and Wall Beach from the river mouth 1.1 miles north, are also closed to all recreational activity 1 March through 30 September to protect nesting snowy plover, except for limited open areas accessed from Surf Station and the Wall Beach parking lot. Additional restrictions may be posted in other areas and must be observed.
19.9. Boathouse Access Procedures:
19.9.1. Procedures for access to the boathouse on south Vandenberg AFB are maintained by the base Recreation Center, Bldg. 10122 as described in this instruction. The access gate to the boathouse and landing areas must be closed and locked after each entry to and exit from this area. Failure to comply with gate closure policies may result in loss of access privileges to this area.
19.9.2. Beach access is allowed only from the boathouse. The coastline and adjacent waters north of this cove to Purisima are protected as the California Vandenberg State Marine Reserve (VSMR), and as such is off-limits except for authorized mission activities and scientific research. Violation of the VSMR boundaries may result in loss of access privileges to the boathouse area.
Currently, due to the recent drought, there aren't any good fresh water fishing locations available within VAFB boundaries.
The current freshwater fishing locations listed below are in poor condition and are not maintained.
15.4.1.2. Freshwater Fishing: Freshwater fishing is permitted on Vandenberg AFB, 24 hours a day, in the following areas:
15.4.1.2.1. Mod III Lake (adjacent to Umbra Road).
15.4.1.2.2. Lake Canyon Lakes - Upper, Middle, and Lower (adjacent to Washington Ave.).
15.4.1.2.3. Punchbowl Lake (adjacent to Corral Road).
15.4.1.2.4. Rawlinson Pond (adjacent to the intersection of San Antonio Road West and Lompoc- Casmalia Highway).
15.4.1.2.5. El Rancho Pond (adjacent to the intersection of El Rancho Road and El Rancho Lateral).
Hunting/Fishing area maps as of 20 June, 2015
(8.4 MB each)
Note from the webmaster:
The conditions of the freshwater fishing lakes and ponds are deplorable. Besides that, only recent rains have improved water levels. There may not be any fish and bank fishing has been extremely limited for several years due to excessive overgrowth. Boat docks are hardly accesible anymore. It was my opinion that during this drought period, it would have the best time to clear the banks so that these area would be available to all eligible fishermen and fisher-women in the future. Including those with disabilities in order to comply with the ADA. This may be accomplished only if enough interested people write to the Base Commander.
