Castaic Lake Fishing Report

Water temps are now in the mid-70s, and we're in summer mode. Algae has been a bit of a problem, with that green layer showing on top in the quieter parts of the lake. But there was mention of an algae treatment going in last week, so it should be clearing by now. Overall the bass bite has been good, mostly in deeper water around 20 feet. Dropshots and wacky-rigged C3 worms in Cinnamon and Purple Haze are reportedly the hot baits, according to guide Jim Taibi. He also mentions that once the water clarity stabilizes, the shad should push shallow and spark a better reaction bite.

For stripers, there've been sporadic boils around the lake, with a few anglers reporting fish on Chappos and jerkbaits. But nothing consistent.

Conditions have been excellent at Castaic over the last couple weeks (even with the recent weekend rains). Water temps are sitting in the mid 60s, and bass action is in peak spring form. Per guide Jim Taibi, largemouth are still in one of the three phases of the spawn cycle, while smallmouth are in post-spawn but already starting to feed heavily. Dropshot and Carolina rigged straight tail worms are working best in the warmer sections of the lake (Fish Arm). Taibi also reports wacky rigged Daiwa Neko Fat worms are working extremely well for both numbers and bigger fish.

Striper action has been inconsistent, with bait soakers getting the occasional fish. Schools are spread out and difficult to pinpoint.

Castaic Lake reopened, and the bass bite has been very good since, with fish setup very tight to structure. Guide Jim Taibi reports fish holding around the 20 foot range, especially on secondary points and rocky transitions leading into coves. The Fish Arm has been the more consistent side. Finesse plastics are doing most of the work. Straight tail worms on drop shot and Carolina rigs are producing for both largemouth and smallmouth. Shallow craw-pattern cranks and fluke-style baits are also getting bit, with some holdover trout mixing in.

A few 5 to 10 pound stripers have also been picked off by anglers targeting bass. Rainbow trout were planted on February 9 at the West Ramp.