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Updated Oct. 8, 2024

CASITAS LAKE – The bass and stripers are gearing up for fall, and are chasing shad all over the lake, reports Fred Klinshaw of fredklinshawfishing.com. The fishing is excellent, with Klinshaw regularly putting up 50 fish days. There are still some really impressive sized fish being reported too, with many anglers reporting fish in the 5 to 7 pound range. A topwater, like a spook, Sammy, are popper, or a jerkbait will get solid strings of 3 pound fish to attack. This bite will change though as the water continues to cool. If the shallow bite is not working, there is a good worm bite out in the 10’ to 30’ range, and Klinshaw is reporting that these deeper fish are slightly larger than the more active schooling fish. Dropshot or Texas rigged are the ways to get those deeper models. For the guys who are not looking for bass, the perch bite has been fantastic this summer. Minijigs, redworms, or nightcrawlers are getting these panfish to bite, and there may be a crappie or bluegill on the other end, too.

CASTAIC LAKE – Good to excellent Bass fishing was on tap, reports Jim Taibi of 661fishing.com. Look for them near the entrance of coves and points near the main lake. The morning and afternoon topwater bite remains the focus of savvy anglers utilizing Lucky Craft Sammy 100’s and 007 size Riser Baits. Just about any Shad imitating color pattern will work. The dropshot bite continues to be solid when the sun gets high mid-day in the five to twenty foot range in the same areas. Largemouth and Smallmouth are hitting the usual Finesse worms and presentations. C3 Baits Shimmys and Jobu’s in the Neptune Shad color pattern continue to dominate, as they have for years on both the dropshot and Carolina rig. 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. Lucky Craft Sammys and Gunfish 100’s are tail weighted and will cast the furthest, a big plus when moving the boat to get closer to the boils will result in being too late. Bluegill are still shallow for the time being and continue to bite red worms and meal worms in the backs of coves around submerged brushpiles and shade trees.

CUYAMACA LAKE – It’s really starting to feel like fall out here, even with the 80 degree daytime temps. The nights however, are cold, and trout season should be starting sooner rather than later. Usually, the first trout arrive in late September or early October, but there are plenty of holdovers that have been feeding, and ignored by anglers all summer. These fish are solid, 3 plus pound chunks. Until that bite takes off though, fall bass should hit crankbaits, jigs or senkos. Catfish and crappie will be gearing up for fall as well. Catfish will go for mackerel, and a small jig near structure will get some crappie.

DIXON LAKE – The dropshot bite is the best bet for bass right now, and the fish are surprisingly deep too. 25’ to 35’ is the preferred depth right now. The docks, like the handicapped pier or the one in catfish cove will give the shore anglers the best shot at these depths. There’s still some schools popping up mid-lake as well, but these are hard to pin down. Catfish can be caught in Trout Cove or the bouyline. Trout usually arrive in November. The lake is open from 6am to 8pm Sundays through Thursdays, with boats to be returned to the dock by 730. Fridays and Saturdays, the lake will stay open until 1130, and all boats have to be back by 1030.

DIAMOND VALLEY LAKE – Air temps have slipped to the low 90s, and anglers are finding some good early fall fishing. The bass are responding to some reaction baits early, Topwaters, like a Gunfish or a wake bait, are getting quality bites. Swimbaits, even before the trout arrive, are a forgotten technique here in the fall.  Bigger baits, like a Deps 250 are frequently a source of some bigger 5 plus pound fish. The striper guys are reporting some good numbers of school sized fish, with an occasional larger model showing up. Flycoring at depths of  35 feet and deeper is the best strategy at this lake. For the guys that are targeting the bluegill, small jigs in shad patterns on a leadhead will get these feisty fish to go. Anglers who fish the shore are advised to step carefully, as many hikers and walkers have reported rattlesnakes being on the prowl almost daily. The lake is offering 30% off deluxe pontoon rentals, as well as half off parking and launching fees Wednesday through Friday until October 1. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

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