Castaic Lake Report 05-17-2026
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:
The lake is filling up fast, keeping all but the the small male fry-guarders content in the stability of the deeper dropoffs and ledges. Dropshot rigs are the best technique as the light line Carolina rig tends to bog down in the abundant bottom moss covering most of the shallow rock in fifteen feet or less of water. The fifteen to thirty foot zone seems to hold the bigger fish, although it seems the Smallmouth can be found just about anywhere. Wacky rigged 5″ Daiwa Neko Fat worms in the green pumpkin/black flake or natural shad color profiles are getting consistent bites from the more aggressive fish. The dropshot baits we used this week were pretty much the proven Castaic standards. The Bait Merchant designed C3 Baits Prototype Worm in the Neptune Shad color seemed to outfish all others in the very clear water. The Shad are in the back half of most coves in five to fifteen feet of water, but won’t likely spawn until the water stops rising in the next week or two.
Striped Bass:
Striper schools are getting shallower by the day, but still not boiling on baitfish. Most of the action is in fifteen to thirty feet of water, but as most techniques are getting a few bites, the main action will probably show in the coming weeks once the lake stabilizes.
*THE LAKE IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS*
*THE LAKE WILL BE OPEN ON MEMORIAL DAY – Monday the 25th*
*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: 66 am – 72 pm
Water Clarity: 10′ to 20′ – Light to medium algae. The Fish Arm seems to be cleaner for now.
Lake Level: Down 15′ and rising
Lake Hours as of Sunday 05/17: (according to lake staff)
Park Opens @ 6:00 am
Launching @ 6:00 am
Off Water @ 8:00 pm
Park Closes @ 8:00 pm
Jim – www.661Fishing.com
