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by Bob Zeller

Southern California has a world-class bass fishery at Castaic Lake, where a 22-pound largemouth bass was caught and released in 1991. It was four ounces shy of a world record, and many believe the next record will come from this water. As of this writing the current state record bass, a 21-pound, 12-ounce giant came from this lake too (also 1991). Striped bass are also making their way to Castaic. The water is one hour north of LAX airport off Interstate 5, just north of the little village of Castaic.

Local anglers suggest fishing near the west launch ramp, across the lake and away from the congestion of the main boat ramp. The water drops off at a rock wall there, and you can see cruising bass. There is plenty of casting room and several docks from which to fish. Many at the rock wall take fish with plastic worms. Fly anglers can try to reach the bottom with a Rabbit Fur Leech or a Deer Hair Minnow then jig it slowly along the rock wall.

Another way fly rodders can approach Castaic is to rent a boat and fish the shoreline with a Popping Bug. One can also take the boat to the reservoir’s eastern arm, the fishing side, where there is less pleasure-boat traffic. Generally, look for points, coves, and rocky cover that bass like.

Lake Castaic Lagoon, below the dam, holds planted trout. Try this water if you aren’t interested in catching monster bass on a fly rod. The lagoon also produces some big bass but, unfortunately, the shore is lined with small trees and is not fly rod friendly.

Castaic is well known for its large and abundant stripers and largemouth bass. Photo by John Sherman.

Types of Fish

Largemouth, smallmouth, striped bass, rainbow trout, catfish, and bluegill.

Known Hatches & Baitfish

Schools of shad abound.

Equipment to Use

Rods: 4–7 weight, 8 ½–9½ feet in length.

Reels: Disk drag is fine.

Lines: Floating, sinking, or sink tip.

Leaders: For bass, 1X to 4X, 5–9 feet in length. For trout, 4X to 7X, 7 ½–10 feet in length.

Wading: Shore fishing is possible, but boats and float tubes are best.

Flies to Use

Bass: Wiggle Bug, Rabbit Leech #2–6, Woolly Bugger #4–12, Carey Bugger #4–6, Matuka #8–10, also Boilermaker, Chugger, Deer Hair Popper; Deceivers and Sar Mul Mac for stripers.

Trout: Adams Parachute #12–18, Black Gnat #18–24, Midge Adult #18–24, Callibaetis #14–16, Pheasant Tail, Hare’s Ear #10–18, Woolly Worm #10–12, Zug Bug #10–16.

Seasons & Limits

Open all year. March through September for bass. November through May for trout. Check current California Deparment of Fish and Game regularions booklet, or call a fly shop or marina for specific information. The lake is managed by the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation and is open from sunrise to sunset. It offers boating, fishing, boat rentals, swimming, and picnicking. A parking fee of $6.00 is charged per vehicle. Trailers, boats and jet skis are an additional $6.00. Call (661) 257-4050 for more information.

Nearby Fly Fishing

Try Lake Piru, Piru Creek, Sespe Creek, Santa Clara River, and Lake Casitas.

Accommodations & Services

Hotels are available in Castaic; bait, groceries, boat rentals at the lake.

Rating

If you and your fly rod are looking for big bass, Bob Zeller (along with others) rate Castaic Lake a 7.