Castaic Lake Report 09-20-2026

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:

Most of the coves and main-lake shallow shorelines are full of huge schools of big Shad and Silverside Minnows. 90% of the action is surface oriented with Live Shad being the top producer of bites again this week. Other techniques like the dropshot rig or artificial lures have been minimally productive, generally only producing bites from the resident shore-oriented fish that tend to be in the six to twelve inch size. The bigger Bass are schooled up and swimming around chasing the baitfish in the middle of coves away from the shoreline where the baitfish can escape into the weeds and rocks. There is some action on topwater lures like the Lucky Craft Gunfish 115’s and Espetit 95’s if you keep casting and find the willing fish. The live Shad fishing has been exceptional, with 30-50 fish half-days and Bass to five pounds common.

Striped Bass

Surface boils are minimal as the schools of Stripers chase huge schools of baitfish into the shallower areas. Blind casting surface lures like the Espetit 95’s and Lucky Craft Gunfish 115’s are connecting with Stripers averaging four to six pounds when they are seen. There were a few boils to the North side of the boat docks on Friday, hopefully signaling a return to surface boils that should become more frequent as the water cools. I saw schools of Stripers in three feet of water in the backs of coves in the Ski Arm this week, so running around the main lake looking for the typical boils we are used to hasn’t been a good strategy. Stick to some of the coves where it is still a right place, right time scenario.

*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: 74 am – 78 pm  

Water Clarity: 10′ to 15′ – Zero algae and minimal debris

Lake Level: Full as it gets

Lake Hours as of Sunday 09/20: (according to lake staff)

Park Opens @ 6:00 am

*LAUNCHING* @ 6:30 am

Off Water @ 7:00 pm

Park Closes @ 8:00 pm

Jim – www.661Fishing.com