Castaic week of Sept. 11: surface bass until 9 a.m., then live shad

Castaic is still a surface lake, just not the same report as Jim Taibi’s Sept. 6 Tackle Express brief. Chad Burton and Chris Borden, writing Sept. 11 for SoCal Fish Reports, say the reservoir held full pool, 75–80°F, with good-to-excellent clarity. Striper boils have diminished, but fish still push bait against the bank if you are in the right place.

Most rods stayed on walking baits and poppers for largemouth and smallmouth — Gunfish, Espetites, poppers — through about 9 a.m. Guides then dipped live shad until the tanks ran out. After the surface window, Carolina and drop-shot in about 20 feet produced 1- to 3-pound bass on salt-and-pepper, oxblood, and Margarita Mutilator. Catfish held in the Government Coves on liver and cut sardines.

West-ramp hours and closures still apply. Confirm current County of Los Angeles launch rules before you trailer.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: SoCal Fish Reports — Castaic Lake, week of Sept. 11, 2026 (Chad Burton and Chris Borden).