Largemouth Bass:
Bass fishing improved this week with the onset of stable weather in the area. Water temps are hovering around 57 degrees with very good clarity and visibility. The fish are fairly spread out with the smaller Bass keyed on the glass minnows that can still be found in the shallows in certain areas. These fish can be caught using a dropshot rigged with a C3 Baits Shimmy or a 4-1/2″ Robo worm. Scuppernong, Neptune Shad and Purple Smoke are great colors to try. Hawk’s Nest and the surrounding area is a good place to start. The bigger models are being found in deeper water from 25′ to 50′ and are reacting to splitshot rigs with the same baits. Spoons and ice jigs can also be productive during the small windows of activity. The jig bite is improving and should really take off once the water temp bottoms out in the coming weeks. Crankbaits continue to get some attention in the mornings and afternoons.
Striped Bass:
The trolling bite improved this week as more fish are being found focused on Silverside Minnows and Trout in 25′ to 50′ of water. Fly-coring with Producer flies and casting swimbaits are accounting for the better fish. There are still big schools of fish down deeper staying with the Shad, but they are harder to target with most of the school-sized Stripers being found along the bottom at depths up to 120′
Castaic Afterbay:
Quality Crappie and Bass are still being caught at a fair clip with ice jigs jigs and spoons worked in deep water up to 60′. This bite is no longer a secret though and there is a crowd on the weekends. Try to fish this small body of water mid-week if possible for better results.
Castaic Lake Conditions:
Water Temp Surface:
57°
Water Temp at 25′:
50°
Water Clarity:
20′ visibility. Clear
Water Level:
25′ down and holding
Jim – 661 Fishing
