Fishing Castaic Lake In Southern CA

AKA: Lake Castaic

Popular Fish Species
Castaic Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Castaic Lake, CA

Popular Fish Species Castaic Lake, CA

Castaic Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Castaic Lake is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals and tournament anglers alike. While fishing success can vary day to day, overall it's a good bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Castaic Lake Popular Fish - Striped Bass

Striped Bass Fishing

Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Castaic Lake. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

Castaic Lake Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Fishing for rainbow trout at Castaic Lake can be effective using worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic prey. Use the lightest fishing line for the best possible results, based on conditions. Seasonal stocking by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout. While fishing from a boat is often the preferred method, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish.

Castaic Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout and striped bass at Castaic Lake in California.

Home of five record largemouth bass (all over 19 pounds), a striped bass over 43 pounds, and a channel catfish over 47 pounds, Castaic Lake is a dream lake for serious anglers. The lake also offers exciting fishing for anglers of all skill levels, with populations of catfish, crappie and trout.

Castaic Lake is a 2,200 acre fishery, located in the southwest part of the state in Los Angeles County. This is a day-use only lake, and fees to enter are required. While access to shorelines is limited, one can do some fishing from shore. However, this lake is best fished from a boat, canoe or kayak.

Primary fish species residing in Castaic Lake.

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Castaic Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NEARBY
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Castaic Landing Boat Rentals
Rentals: Fishing boats
661 775-6232

Marinas

Castaic Landing Boat Rentals
32839 Lake Hughes Rd
Castaic, CA 91384
661 775-6232

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Castaic Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, at the east end of the Castaic Lake Dam, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and plenty of paved parking.