South Freshwater Fish Report
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Updated October 22, 2026
AQUEDUCT (near Bakersfield) – The team at Cope’s Tackle and Rod Sop in Bakersfield are saying striped bass are being caught on jerkbaits, topwater, sardines, chicken livers and lugworms. Dip baits and cut baits are working well on catfish, and there’s been a spike in largemouth bass action. They’re eating finesse plastics, drop shotted flukes and occasionally poppers.
BARRETT LAKE – The lake is now closed for the season and will reopen next May. Fishing access is by reservation only, and patrons are limited to two vehicles per reservation. To make a reservation to and for more info, visit sandiego.gov/reservoirs-lakes/barrett-reservoir.
BIG BEAR LAKE — According to Big Bear Sporting Goods, “After a long, hot summer of suspending at the dam, they are finally able to move back into to their shallow feeding grounds. Shore anglers have the advantage right now. Floating baits such as Mice Tails and Power Bait fished on a Carolina rig are the best ways to get bit. Stick to the east end of the lake or the backs of the bays, and don’t cast too far. If you’d rather be a little more active, switch over to lures or flies. Panther Martins and Thomas Buoyants have been producing as have balanced leeches under an indicator. Boaters are having their best luck sticking to the shallows as well. Do some drifting inside the bays or on the east side of the observatory. Trolling along the 5mph buoys is working, too.
CAHUILLA LAKE — Catfish action has been decent for anglers working around the jetty with nightcrawlers. On some days, smaller bass cooperate, but it’s really hit-or-miss with no sign of them on other days. Carp are being caught on bread balls, and the hope is the first trout plant arrives before Thanksgiving.
CACHUMA LAKE – “We’ve had some very solid topwater bites in the mornings,” reports guide Rich Tauber (richtauberfishing.com), “But it’s very time sensitive.” Right when the lake opens are key for the topwater, and after that there’s a solid worm bite in that 15- to 25-foot zone. Drop-shot or Texas rigged Roboworms are the best bet for these fish.
CASITAS LAKE – Guide Fred Klinshaw (fredklinshawfishing.com) declares that the signs of fall transition are finally happening. There’s still plenty of topwater fish available all over the lake, but Klinshaw is working the stroll method in as well, with Basstrix and Damiki rigs down to the deeper shad balls in around 40 feet of water. The key is to stay fluid and be prepared for either technique, and Klinshaw notes that boils can pop up anywhere, so anglers should be prepared for either. Guide Rich Tauber (richtauberfishing.com) echoes the reports of the solid topwater bite, but states that the size of the baitfish is small, so the chosen topwaters, poppers or Basstrix, need to be small as well. Tauber also states that the boils are frequently all show and no go, so anglers need to be as precise and prepared as possible. There was a monster 14-pound fish reported as well, and this fish was taken on a big swimbait.
CASTAIC LAKE – “Winds up to 30mphs kept anglers off the water,” reports Jim Taibi (661fishing.com). Taibi also stated that the big shad are still in most of the coves, especially The Ski Arm, and the wind had very little effect on the bite. Netting these baitfish lead to near 40-fish days for some anglers, and the next fish could be a striper, smallmouth, or largemouth. There is some floating algae and floating weeds with which anglers have to contend. The lake is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
CUYAMACA LAKE – The trout bite has been fair in the weeks that followed the kids tournament held on Sept. 26 when 3,000 pounds of trout were stocked. Plenty of those fish are still in there, and a lot of biters are being found on Berkley Mice Tails. White has been best according to lake regular, Lee Smith, and most of the biters have been pan-sized models. We’ll see if cooler temps get things going up there.
DIXON LAKE – The bass bite is perking up a bit as the weather cools, and the fish are also still boiling on small baitfish towards the aerator. Catfish will hit mackerel and chicken liver in the main coves, but the buoyline and Trout Cove are the best spots. The stocks have ended, but there’s a year-round population available. Trout stocks should begin in November, depending on water temps. The lake is open from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with all boats having to be off the water by 7 p.m.
DIAMOND VALLEY LAKE – Cooler weather moved the bass needle up to fair. Shadow lines or lowlight conditions will produce a topwater fish or two, but the Drop-shot is still king, and anglers should not ignore throwing jigs or swimbaits this time of year either. The striper bite remains pretty quiet, but should ramp up as the water cools, and trout season usually starts in December. The lake is open Wednesday through Sunday from 6:30a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Anglers are reminded that boat rentals are 30% off on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Also, effective immediately, the lake no longer accepts boats with Lake Perris or Lake Silverwood Stickers. Anglers that arrive with said stickers will be subjected to extra inspection.
EL CAPITÁN RESERVOIR – Fun fishing right now, but the bass, and subsequently the anglers, are heavily focused on the aerator right now. That’s where the baitfish are, so blade baits, squarebills, and flutter spoons will get some quality fish to 4 pounds. Just be wary of the mud near the launch ramp. It’s deep and soft.
