Castaic Lake is shifting into early spring mode, and the bass action is picking up. Largemouth and smallmouth are biting well in 15 to 30 feet of water around main lake points, shoals, and bluff walls. Jim Taibi reports that Carolina-rigged C3 Baits Shimmy’s in Neptune Shad are getting plenty of attention. Wacky-rigged Senkos and C3 Slim Pros are also producing near deeper bluff walls. Natural shad tones and green pumpkin with black flake have been the most effective colors. A slow retrieve has worked best.

Stripers are starting to wake up, especially after the recent trout plant. While the bite hasn’t fully turned on, a few decent fish have been caught on big swimbaits. Some anglers have also spotted boils popping up around the lake and have had success targeting them with walking topwater plugs.

Trout fishing has been solid after the latest stocking, but heavy pressure means the bite likely won’t last long. Anglers working the shore are hooking up with Rooster Tails and other spinners, while the bait crew is getting their limits with PowerBait and nightcrawlers. If you’re after trout, get out there before they wise up and move deeper.