Tackle Express Castaic Fishing Reports

There are basically two groups of fish. Some that are still chasing Shad and Minnows on the surface and others that are down around twenty feet keying in on the Shad schools that are migrating into the bigger coves from the main lake. Riser Baits, live Shad and small Flukes are catching the surface feeders while dropshot and Carolina rigged finesse plastics are scoring quality fish deeper.

Surface boils have diminished a bit but are still happening, mostly in the middle of the Ski Arm and the buoy line at the end of the Ski Arm. There has also been an increase in some of the schools making their way into some of the bigger coves. Lucky Craft Sammy 100’s, Espetit 95’s and 007 size Riser Baits continue to be the go-to lure choices of most anglers targeting the boils.

There is a good dropshot bite as well with any of the C3 Baits bringing some nice Bass to the net. Neptune Shad is the dominant color as usual. Although water is coming in from the forebay, it seems that the level keeps dropping, repositioning the bait and the Bass. Warmer air temps and favorable winds should help steady the action in the next week or two.

Bass fishing was very steady for anglers finding the feeding schools that are moving into the bigger coves. Staying mobile and checking the main and secondary points is the best bet. The morning topwater action has been the focus of most anglers, as the fish and fishermen seem to dwindle as the sun gets high. Air temps over 100 were common most of the week. 

Surface “boils” were reduced to a simmer early in the week with the full moon and cooler water temps. Fish are still in the main lake areas in both arms but we are starting to see a transition to the coves as water temps cool, with some fish mixed in with the Bass at times.  The Lucky Craft Sammy 100 in the Ghost Minnow pattern along with 007 size Riser Baits in any of the shad patterns continue to be the dominant lures, but just about any topwater bait with white on the belly will work.

Surface “boils” continue on the main lake with most of the schools spread out in both arms of the lake. The boils don’t last very long, maybe twenty to thirty seconds at most and some boats are charging the schools making it difficult for other anglers. There has even been some collisions reported by over-zealous anglers. I find it better to sit in a good area and wait for them to pop up within casting range. If you have to move your boat very far you will most likely miss them.