Castaic Lake Report 08-23-2026

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:

As the Summer/Fall pattern rolls on, the majority of Bass continue to  chase baitfish schools from the main lake towards the backs of most of the bigger coves. There are micro Shad, average Shad and large Shad in the mix, depending on what cove you are in. I have found some four inch shad and bigger Silverside minnows in a few of the Ski Arm coves, and mostly smaller one inch models in the Fish Arm of the lake this week. Bottom contact presentations like the dropshot rig are getting some bites if you happen to be on a point that the wolf pack Bass schools are passing over or around. Most anglers are content with the early topwater bite and are leaving before it gets into the triple digit heat of the day. The schools of Shad most of the Bass are chasing are on the small size, one to two inches, so keep your lures on the smaller side for now. Megabass Karashis, 007 Jackall Riser Baits and C3 Baits Flukensteins are getting bit, while the Lucky Craft Gunfish 95 or Espetit 70 are getting the attention of some of the bigger fish. 

Striped Bass

Surface boils continued all week around the West ramp area and Center Point. Unfortunately the schools were in the Jet Ski Zone at times, safe from the aerial lure attack of a dozen or so boats. The best time frame seems to be from 10:00 to 2:00, but some days it lasts longer. Espetit 95’s and Lucky Craft Gunfish 95’s and 115’s continue to be all that I use or need. Any color with a white belly will work. The “bait and wait” chunk sardine bite at the Eldeberry buoy line has dwindled significantly as the bulk of the Stripers are chasing the live bait schools. There has been some action for trollers using the fly-coring technique in the twenty to thirty foot zone around the same areas as the boils, and also at the mouths of some of the bigger coves that have deeper, cooler water.

*THE LAKE IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS*

*Launching is at the West Ramp Only*.

This is the address to the entry gate located on the West side of the lagoon:

32132 Castaic Lake Drive

Surface Temp: 78 am – 82 pm  

Water Clarity: 5′ to 15′ – Zero algae or debris

Lake Level: Full

*NEW* Lake (launching) Hours as of Sunday 08/23: (according to lake staff)

Park Opens @ 6:00 am

*LAUNCHING* @ 6:30 am

Off Water @ 7:30 pm

Park Closes @ 8:00 pm

Jim – www.661Fishing.com