Fishing at Lake Casitas

Lake Casitas is primarily a largemouth bass fishing ground. Other fish include smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, redear sunfish, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. Night fishing is offered on some weekends from the shore and from boats ($30 extra fee for boats). Lake Casitas is known for its clear water in summer, making low-visibility lines popular. Several coves are closed during bass spawning season, usually from February 15 to May 31.

Where to Fish on Lake Casitas

Bass fishermen work the areas of the lake where there are sharp drop-offs. Especially good places are around Main Island and around the numerous points. They also do well along the eastern shore. The Coyote Creek area is known for its good bass fishing too.

From the shore, anglers do well catching trout near campgrounds, especially by Mallard and Grebe Campgrounds. Trolling for trout can be rewarding in the deep water between Main Island and the western shore all the way down to the dam. When they open in June, Grindstone Canyon Cove and Indian Mesa Cove are always good fishing spots.

Trophy Fish from Lake Casitas

• Largemouth Bass: 21.9 pounds, caught by Ray Easley, March 1980; 19 pounds 8 ounces, caught by Randy Crabtree in 2002
• Rainbow Trout: ;
  • 11 pounds, 13 ounces, caught by Mike Jones, December 2010
  • 11 pounds, 12 ounces, caught by Rory Cornell
  • 11 pounds 5 ounces, caught by Ray Rodriguez
  • 9 pounds 4 ounces, 1985
• Channel Catfish: 42 pounds, caught by Wayne Chappell, 1991
• Redear Sunfish: 3 pounds, 7 ounces

Which Baits and Lures Are Catching Fish at Lake Camanche?

Bass Fishing: Baby Brush Hogs, Buzzbaits, South Bend Spinners, Senkos, Hula Poppers, Rapala Jigging Rap, Plastic Worms, Rapala Lures, Senkos, Crankbaits and Spinnerbaits in Shad Patterns

Trout and Salmon: Humdinger lure, Excel Spoons, Needlefish, Rapala lures, Kastmasters, PowerBait, Nightcrawlers

Crappie:   Small Minnows, Mini-jigs, Nightcrawlers

Catfish: Nightcrawlers, Mackerel, Chicken Livers, Crayfish

Bluegill: Worms, Mealworms

Lake Casitas Recreation Area's Annual Kids Fishing Day

On Lake Casitas Recreation Area's Annual Kids Fishing Day about 2,500 fish are planted in an area cordoned off on the Santa Ana Launch Ramp. Children under the age of 15 fish for free without a fishing license. Those 16 and 17 must have a license. Rods, reels and bait are supplied. Each young angler is allowed to catch one fish.

Lake Casitas Moonlight Fishing

Moonlight Fishing is offered at Lake Casitas several times during the summer. Boats must be inspected between 4 PM and 7 PM, and an additional $30 per boat is collected. Boats must be out of the water and on trailers by midnight.
See calendar of fishing dates and full information at Casitas Boating and Fishing

Bowfishing for Carp

Daily permits for bowfishing for carp are issued after 8 AM to archers with a completed and signed Application and Agreement on file. Read complete details at Casitas Boating and Fishing