Any local will tell you that Castaic Lake fishing is difficult. Castaic is a former world record bass lake, and due to its small size and high pressure, most people fail to catch fish or give up quickly.

If you can get past the (often long) learning curve, Castaic Lake Fishing remains some of the best bass fishing in the world.

The lake holds largemouth, smallmouth and striped bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and trout, with striped bass and trout only present on the main/upper lake.

Castaic Lake Fishing Locations

You can fish from shore, pier, kayak and boat (electric motors only) at the Castaic lagoon aka lower lake or from shore, dam or power boat at the upper lake.

Beginners often start at the pier. Seasoned locals find and catch fish by walking the enire shoreline from the parking lot and boat ramp all the way to the far side end past the campgrounds. This is an excellent strip of shore for those who enjoy nature walks or light hiking.

Boat vs Shore Fishing

Despite common belief, some of the biggest bass caught every year are caught from shore. Even after buying a boat, my biggest fish (6-10lbs) have come from the lagoon shore.

If you have access to a boat or choose to rent a boat from the upper lake, your odds of catching fish will increase dramatically by being able to easily access more locations.

Castaic Lake Fishing Tackle

One nice thing about Castaic is you don't need fancy gear to catch fish. A starter medium action spinning combo rod and reel with 6lb test and a few of the right hooks, soft baits and light weights is all you need.

Castaic Lake Fishing Presentations

Just about everything works, but generally Castaic, besides for those fishing for striped bass or monster largemouth's, Castaic lake tends to be more of a finesse lake and favor baits under 5" with smaller profiles and good movement.

This includes swimbaits, stick baits, jigs, finesse worms, ned worms and creature style baits rigged several different ways.

Seeing reports of numbers of fish caught on Carolina rigs and drop shots is common.

Live shad (if you can catch them) and live worms available at 7-11 or Gallion's near the lake are effective for catching a variety of fish species.

Castaic Lake Bait Colors

A variety of colors work well but generally natural colors matching the seasonal underwater buffet. Oxblood, green pumpkin, watermelon and varied shades of blue, pink and purple can be effective year-round based on weather, depth and water conditions.