Castaic Lake Report 08-30-2026
Largemouth Bass:
Schools of Bass continue to chase the (over) abundant baitfish throughout the lake and towards the backs of coves. The Shad are mostly in the two to four inch range, depending on what area you are in. Bottom contact techniques like the dropshot rig are producing very few bites as the action has shifted to about 90% surface action in most areas. Triple digit heat and cloudy skies were the mainstay going into the weekend, keeping the Bass active and allowing anglers the chance at a rare all-day topwater bite. Lucky Craft Gunfish 115’s along with Espetit 70’s and 95’s are doing most of the heavy lifting as the smaller lures have not been as effective as in weeks past. There are literally hundreds of thousands of three inch Shad that have moved into water as shallow as three feet. The backs of the bigger coves have dozens if not hundreds of Bass that have followed the massive baitfish schools.
Striped Bass
Surface boils continued all week around the Center Point area and down towards Elizabeth Canyon. The same Espetit 95’s and Lucky Craft Gunfish 115’s that are working for the Largemouth are connecting with Stripers that are averaging five pounds. The bigger boils that were seen most of the month have dwindled in size as the Stripers and the Largemouth seem to be working the same areas, spreading the baitfish schools out. Cast at any surface splash and you might be surprised by a big Striper, as I saw them as shallow as three feet chasing Shad over grass flats.
*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 – 81 pm
Water Clarity: 5′ to 15′ – Zero algae or debris
Lake Level: Full
*The lake will be open on Labor Day 9/7*
Lake Hours as of Sunday 08/30: (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
