Castaic Lake Fishing Report

Guide Jim Taibi from 611 Fishing reports that bass action at Lake Castaic is still going strong. Largemouth and smallmouth are scattered across the lake in various stages of the spawn, with fish showing up on rocky points, main lake structure, and tucked into the brush in the backs of coves. Most largemouth are in the 1–2 lb range, with some bigger fish to 5 lbs. Water clarity is excellent overall, minus some stain deep in the coves. C3 Baits Shimmy’s in Neptune Shad on a Carolina rig or dropshot are doing most of the work, while wacky-rigged 5” Senkos in green pumpkin or natural shad are pulling the better bites. Jerkbaits and small cranks are starting to come into play too. As for stripers, not much pressure on them yet, but with baitfish moving shallow, it won’t be long before the big schools follow.

Castaic saw bass pushing shallow in pre-spawn mode last weekend with temps near 90, but that flipped after a bluestone algae treatment midweek, according to guide Jim Taibi from 611 Fishing. The shoreline bite died off as fish retreated deeper, and cooler weather didn’t help. Water’s clearing again and the bite should rebound soon, even with storms ahead. Most Largemouth and Smallmouth are 1–2 lbs, with a few bigger ones showing in a recent tournament. Jim reports Carolina-rigged C3 Shimmy’s and Ridgeback Reapers are working, along with a growing Senko bite around deeper points and bluffs.

Stripers are slow but should pick up as the weather stabilizes—bait’s holding at 30 feet. Recent trout plants kicked off some shore action before the algae treatment. Water temps 58–61, clarity 10–20 feet

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.