What you'll find here
Deep State Water Project reservoir along I-5 in northwest LA County. Statewide 12-inch bass rule unless posted.
Location and access
Pyramid Lake sits off Interstate 5 in the northwest corner of Los Angeles County; OEHHA lists it as an LA County water. It is a State Water Project reservoir. LA County Parks reports Pyramid Lake as infested with invasive mussels, so boat exit inspections and drain-plug rules apply. Check with the recreation operator for current hours, fees and launch rules.
Species
OEHHA's 2023 advisory covers black bass, bullhead, catfish, rainbow trout, striped bass and sunfish. Pyramid Lake was not on CDFW's October 2025–September 2026 planting list.
Regulations
Black bass: 12 inches, 5 fish. Striped bass: 10 fish, no minimum (Southern District). Trout: 5 per day, 10 in possession. Catfish: 10 per day. Bullheads: no limit.
Tips
- Deep, clear water; fish deeper for bass in summer.
- Stripers chase shad in open water.
- Bring a valid license; age 16 and older.
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.
- Striped Bass: Year-round at Castaic and Pyramid. Limits: No inland size limit in the Southern District; 10 fish in the Southern District (statewide default elsewhere is 2 fish, 18 inches). Tip: Troll the dam and main basin.
- Rainbow Trout (stocked): Fall–spring plants. Limits: No statewide minimum on stocked lake rainbows; 5 trout daily, 10 in possession on lakes. Tip: Fish the day after a published plant week.
- Channel Catfish: Summer nights. Limits: No statewide minimum; 10 catfish in the Southern District, except 5 at the listed LA County park lakes in §5.15; bullheads no limit. Tip: Sliding sinker on the bottom after dark.
- 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.
Limits summarize CDFW rules as of October 2026; each species page links the official source.
Eating your catch
For fish caught here, OEHHA's Pyramid Lake advisory lists servings per week (women 18–49 and children 1–17, then women 50+ and men) as: black bass 0 and 1; striped bass 0 and 1; rainbow trout 5 and 7; catfish 1 and 2; sunfish (bluegill) 1 and 3. OEHHA also recommends eating skinless fillets and trimming fat.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pyramid Lake in LA County?
Yes. OEHHA lists Pyramid Lake as a Los Angeles County water.
Is Pyramid Lake trout safe to eat?
OEHHA allows up to 5 servings a week for women 18–49 and children and 7 for others.
Can you eat striped bass from Pyramid Lake?
OEHHA advises women 18–49 and children not to eat them; others no more than 1 serving a week.
Fish species at Pyramid 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 13 mi away (straight line)
- Castaic Lagoon (Lower Lake) — about 14 mi away (straight line)
- Elizabeth Lake — about 21 mi away (straight line)
- Apollo Community Regional Park Lake — about 35 mi away (straight line)
- Hansen Dam — about 35 mi away (straight line)
- Lake Balboa — about 37 mi away (straight line)
- Malibu Pier / Malibu Surf (saltwater) — about 43 mi away
- Point Dume (Malibu MPAs) (saltwater) — about 45 mi away
Sources & official links
- OEHHA — Fish advisory: Pyramid Lake
- CDFW — 2026 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations booklet (PDF)
- CDFW — Fish Planting Schedule (search Los Angeles County)
Last reviewed: October 2026. Rules, stocking and access change; confirm with the agency linked above before you go.