Castaic Lagoon - Castaic, CA

Castaic Lagoon is a productive warmwater fishery located below the main Castaic Lake in northern Los Angeles County. This smaller body of water is a quiet, non-motorized alternative to the bustling upper lake, offering year-round fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and carp.

Largemouth bass are the primary attraction, especially in spring and early summer when fish move shallow to spawn. Anglers have success casting soft plastics, topwater frogs, and spinnerbaits around submerged structure, weedy coves, and shaded shoreline cover. Bluegill and crappie are abundant and readily caught using worms or small jigs near brush and aquatic vegetation.

Catfish are active during warm summer evenings, with chicken liver, mackerel, and dough bait producing consistent bites on bottom rigs. Carp provide a bonus challenge for those targeting them with corn or dough balls near shore.

The lagoon allows non-motorized watercraft and is especially popular with float tubers and kayak anglers. Shore access is excellent, with plenty of bank space and designated fishing areas.

With its mix of accessible bank fishing, diverse species, and quiet atmosphere, Castaic Lagoon is one of the top small-lake warmwater fisheries in Southern California, offering a relaxing and productive outing close to Los Angeles.