I'm from the bay area and I'll be bass fishing in socal lakes for the first time and I've narrowed my options to Castaic or Diamond Valley as they seem to be the best options that also have boat rentals. Which one do you recommend? I'll also be taking some friends that are fishing for their first time. We're not looking for whoppers, just looking at the best chances of getting bites.

 

Thanks!

I've fished both a bunch, and were it me, I'd choose Castaic. DVL can be tough this time of year, it's a great place, the size can be a little intimidating to some, and it's takes a few trips there to get dialed in. Been skunked more than once there. Castaic has been pretty good to me, caught some nice fish there. The only problem is the weekend skiers, ect. But you can escape them by going into the coves/points unless the fish have moved to deep water, still there should be some shallow. 

 

Tom / WRB can give you more info, as he's caught some giants out of Castaic. Good luck on your trip. 

Welcome to SoCal bass fishing. 

Both Castaic and DVL are similar deep clear water rocky structure lakes with little cover.

DVL is a harder lake to fish but has better rental boats. Castiac rental boats are V bottom aluminum that you can't stand up to fish.

Don't even bother with standard bass tackle, finesse spinning presentations using 6 lb line drop shout of slip shot rigs are your best choices. Suggest going to Fishing Fools tackle shop in Granda Hills for Castaic info and soft plastics or Last Chance Tackle in Hemet for DVL info and soft plastics.

The bass at Castiac tend to locate near points in about 20 to 30 feet of water with Shad color 5"-6" finesse worms. DVL similar areas but deeper in 30 to 50 feet with similar soft plastics. 

I would use size 1 drop shot hook with 1/4 oz weight about 12" below the hook for both lakes. Slip shot Owner 5133 size 1/0, 3/16 oz mojo weight, pegged glass bead about 30" above the hook.

Verticle drop shot is easier when sitting with 3 anglers, if it's not windy. Drifting with the wind the slip shot rig off the same side dragging along the bottom should work.

Tom

PS, lake Casitas has rental boats and a lot better bass fishing!

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info! And thanks for the suggestion on Lake Casitas, WRB! We might just forego Castaic and check out Casitas instead

Castaic right now has massive Shad schools, the lake is full and everything is up top 10' very tough bite.

Casitas would be a far better choice.

Tom

Thanks for the suggestion WRB, we had a blast at Casitas! Caught a couple largemouth bass, both around 3 lbs, and a crappie. Beautiful lake!