Castaic Lake Report 04-12-2026

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:

Excellent Bass fishing as we enter another spawning cycle, with some Largemouth pre-spawn and post-spawn. Most of the Smallmouth have spawned and are already aggressively feeding. Two good days of weather mid-week made for great all day fishing before the high winds and rain set in for the weekend. Small dropshot or Carolina rigged straight tail worms from C3 Baits like the Shimmy and Ice Picks along with the Bait Merchant designed C3 Baits Calligators and Prototype 1 Worms continue to dominate the bait selection, as these are the staple baits of the lake and few anglers use anything else. Wacky rigged 5″ Daiwa Neko Fat worms are also putting big numbers of fish in the boat, along with some bigger fish to five pounds this week. Secondary points and rocky areas leading into spawning coves are producing fish in both arms of the lake, however my focus has been in the Fish Arm as it has had the warmer water. The key is to move around until you get bites. 

Striped Bass:

A few fish are being caught on the lead core/trolling fly pattern but this bite has yet to materialize. Cut sardine dunkers are getting a few fish, but the schools still remain spread out and hard to target due to the influx of cold water into the Ski Arm.

Rainbow Trout:

Done for the season except for a few being caught by Bass fisherman on finesse and wacky worms.

*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: 62 am – 66 pm  Three degrees warmer in the Fish Arm than the Ski Arm, as the lake fills with cold water straight from the aqueduct and the Northern Sierra snowmelt

Water Clarity: 10′ to 20′ – Zero algae. A few pieces of driftwood as the lake level rises and the wood floats off the shoreline

Lake Level: Down 25’and rising

*NEW* Lake Hours as of Sunday 04/12: (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