Ventura County Fishing Reports

The crankbait bite at Piru has been firing. Water temps are sitting in the low to mid 60s, and bass are swiping hard at reaction baits ripped shallow. They’re aggressive right now, especially around points and rocky banks. Natural-colored Flukes and Senkos are also drawing bites...fewer hits, but the size is better. Most fish are in the 1-pound range, but a few 2–3 pounders are mixed in.

Casitas has been fishing well over the past couple of weeks, and while the recent storm might slow things down briefly, the bite should rebound fast. Soft plastics are doing the heavy lifting—T-rigged and dropshot Roboworms, Ned rigs, Senkos, and similar setups are all producing. Bass are holding shallow in less than 10 feet of water, either staging for the spawn or already on beds.

Trout were stocked in early March, with another plant set for next week. PowerBait, Mice Tails, and floated nightcrawlers have been the go-to for these stockers.

Lake Casitas is full of water, and clarity has been excellent (before the recent rains). Trout were stocked at the end of January, and the bite has been good, mostly on PowerBait and worms, although some are pulling shallow fish on spinners as well. The bass bite has been consistent for fish in the 1- to 3-pound range on jigs and soft plastics fished around deep structure in 30-50 feet. Big swimbaits are the current focus for anglers looking to target giant bass chasing stockers. The recent rains should spark more aggression out of these bigger fish too. Reports say there’s still a solid bluegill bite available on small lures and mealworms.