What you'll find here
The lower recreation lake below the dam. Not the same basin as the upper lake; not on the 2025–26 plant list.
Access
The lagoon is part of Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, operated by LA County Parks. Check the park page for hours, fees and which shoreline areas are open.
Species and stocking
OEHHA's 2023 advisory for Castaic Lagoon covers black bass, carp, sunfish, inland silversides, threadfin shad and sculpin. CDFW's Fish Planting Schedule for Los Angeles County, October 2025 through September 2026, did not list plants at the lagoon.
Regulations
Black bass: 12-inch minimum, 5 fish. Sunfish and crappie: 25 combined. License required for anglers 16 and older.
Tips
- Light tackle for sunfish along the shore.
- Plastics and small crankbaits for bass.
- Read on-site signs for fishing areas.
Seasons and limits for the fish here
- Largemouth Bass: Year-round, best spring/fall. Limits: 12 inches total length on lakes, including Castaic Lake (2026 booklet, §5.00(b)(7)); 5 black bass. Tip: Shade and cover early and late.
- Bluegill: Year-round, best warm months. Limits: No size limit in LA County waters; 25 sunfish and crappie combined. Tip: Light line, small hook, a few feet under a float.
- Common Carp: Year-round. Limits: No statewide minimum; No statewide bag limit. Tip: Lightly chum, then wait on a simple bottom rig.
Limits summarize CDFW rules as of October 2026; each species page links the official source.
Eating your catch
For fish caught here, OEHHA's Castaic Lagoon advisory lists servings per week (women 18–49 and children 1–17, then women 50+ and men) as: black bass 1 and 2; sunfish (bluegill) 7 and 7; carp 2 and 2. OEHHA also recommends eating skinless fillets and trimming fat.
Frequently asked questions
Is Castaic Lagoon stocked with trout?
Not in CDFW's October 2025–September 2026 schedule.
Is Castaic Lagoon the same as Castaic Lake?
No. The lagoon is the smaller lower lake below the dam.
Is sunfish from Castaic Lagoon safe to eat?
OEHHA allows up to 7 servings a week of sunfish from the lagoon for all groups.
Fish species at Castaic Lagoon (Lower Lake)
Map
Regulations reminder
Size limits, bag limits, seasons, and MPA rules are set by CDFW and can change in-season. Public-pier license exceptions (CCR 1.88) apply only on qualifying structures — not on the beach next to them. This is an independent site and is not affiliated with CDFW.
Nearby waters
- Castaic Lake — about 1 mi away (straight line)
- Pyramid Lake — about 14 mi away (straight line)
- Elizabeth Lake — about 16 mi away (straight line)
- Hansen Dam — about 22 mi away (straight line)
- Lake Balboa — about 24 mi away (straight line)
- Apollo Community Regional Park Lake — about 29 mi away (straight line)
- Malibu Pier / Malibu Surf (saltwater) — about 32 mi away
- Santa Monica Pier (saltwater) — about 35 mi away
Sources & official links
- LA County Parks — Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
- OEHHA — Fish advisory: Castaic Lagoon
- CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule (search Los Angeles County)
- CDFW — 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (PDF)
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules, stocking and access change; confirm with the agency linked above before you go.