Castaic Lake is located within the Angeles National Forest just 15 minutes north of Six Flags Magic Mountain and 5 minutes from I-5. Castaic Lake is a holding reservoir for part of the western regions irrigation water supply. The Castaic Lake Dam is 425 feet high and holds 350,000 acre feet of water at full capacity. Castaic Lake is surrounded by 8,800 acres of recreational land. Castaic Lake consists of two bodies of water; the upper or main lake which has approximately 29 miles of shoreline and the lagoon or lower lake has approximately 2 miles of shoreline.
Park Hours are Mon-Sun: Sunrise-Sunset.
Closed on Christmas.
LAKE ENTRY FEES: | Daily | Annually |
Per 1 Vehicle | $12 | $150 |
Senior/Disabled Per 1 Vehicle | $5 * | $75 |
RV | $14 | |
Bus | $35 | |
Per 1 Boat (motorized) | $9 | $135 |
Per 1 Boat (non-motorized) | $7 | $105 |
Senior/Disabled Per 1 Boat | $65 |
* SENIOR/ DISABLED Daily discount valid on Weekdays Only. Normal Vehicle Entry Fees apply on Weekends/Holidays.
Boat Rental Hours: Sunrise-1 Hour before Sunset (last rental goes out 3 hours before the lake closes)
To rent a fishing boat you must provide a valid drivers license and be 18 years of age or older. All boat rental fees include fuel (one 3 gallon tank and any extra tanks are $15 each), personal flotation devices, a paddle and an anchor.
The maximum lake speed limit is 35mph, and 5mph in coves and around launch ramps. Please follow the counter clockwise direction of travel and stay out of designated areas.
Type (8 HP Outboard Motor) |
Max People |
Deposit | 2-Hour Minimum |
Each Add’l Hour |
All Day Rate |
14′ Aluminum Boat (Mon-Fri) |
4; must not exceed 800lbs |
$100 | $55 | $15 | $100 |
14′ Aluminum Boat (Sat, Sun & Holidays) |
4; must not exceed 800lbs |
$130 | $55 | $15 | $130 |
* All prices are subject to change without notice
Senior Citizens (65 years of age and older) will receive a 20% discount on All-Day Boat Rentals Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
All Lake Rules and Regulations must be followed at all times. Failure to adhere to RMRC rules and lake rules and regulations will result in the loss of your entire Deposit. If you return the boat late and or in a dirty condition, other than the way it was rented to you, this will also result in the loss of your entire deposit.
Dogs are welcome at the lake and on the boats.
For Fishing Information or Boat Rentals call (661) 775-6232.
Castaic Lake is located within the Angeles National Forest just 15 minutes north of Six Flags Magic Mountain and 5 minutes from I-5. Castaic Lake is a holding reservoir for part of the western regions irrigation water supply and for the Northern portion of the Greater Los Angeles area. The Castaic Lake Dam is 425 feet high and holds 350,000 acre feet of water at full capacity. Castaic Lake is surrounded by 8,800 acres of recreational land. Castaic Lake consists of two bodies of water; the upper or main lake which has approximately 29 miles of shoreline and the lagoon or lower lake has approximately 2 miles of shoreline.
Camping is available on a first come-first served basis at the lake.
CAMPING FEES: | Daily |
Tent Camping | $30 |
RV Camping (everything except tents) | $30 |
Dump Fee | $7/dump |
Fishing at Castaic Lake produces a variety of fish which continue to bite throughout the year. Anglers 16 year of age or older must purchase a Department of Fish & Game Fishing License. The Department of Fish and Game stocksh the upper lake with Rainbow Trout from October through March with an estimated combined total of 24,000 pounds per season. For fishing regulations, visit the California Department of Fish and Game.
Other species of fish include Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Carp, Smallmouth Bass and Channel Catfish. You can call the marina for the most recent fish report.
You can fish 24 hours a day at the lower lake; the upper lakes hours of operation change according to the season, for these hours click here.
Castaic Lake holds numerous records for Bass fishing; Bass up to 22 pounds have been caught in the upper lake and up to 17 pounds in the lower lake. The Lake records for Striper Bass is 43 pounds to date, and has yet to be broken.
For Fishing Information or Boat Rentals call (661) 775-6232.
You will find Castaic Landings located at the Main Launch ramp which is Castaic Lake’s one stop tackle shop where you will find, live bait, tackle and lures, snack food, beverages, fishing boat rentals, and expert advice and assistance. We are not a licensing agent for DFG and do not sell fishing licenses.
In the upper lake to the North East is the “Fish Arm” which has numerous coves and lots of structure for fish to hide. To the North West is the “Ski Arm” where the pleasure boater, water skiers, and wake boarders can enjoy a day of boating. Personal watercraft such as jet ski’s and sea doo’s also have sectioned off area directly in front of the main launch ramp along side the dam, where no private or fishing boats are permitted.
There is no swimming at the upper lake; you may however swim at the designated beach areas at the lower lake.
For more information, photos, and upcoming events click here.
Please be advised that Rocky Mountain Recreation operates under a special use permit as a concessionaire for the Castaic Lake Recreation Area. Rocky Mountain Recreation has no authority to override the above listed fees.
Boat Rental Hours: Sunrise-1 Hour before Sunset (last rental goes out 3 hours before the lake closes)
To rent a fishing boat you must provide a valid drivers license and be 18 years of age or older. All boat rental fees include fuel (one 3 gallon tank and any extra tanks are $15 each), personal flotation devices, a paddle and an anchor.
The maximum lake speed limit is 35mph, and 5mph in coves and around launch ramps. Please follow the counter clockwise direction of travel and stay out of designated areas.
Type (8 HP Outboard Motor) |
Max People |
Deposit | 2-Hour Minimum |
Each Add’l Hour |
All Day Rate |
14′ Aluminum Boat (Mon-Fri) |
4; must not exceed 800lbs |
$100 | $55 | $15 | $100 |
14′ Aluminum Boat (Sat, Sun & Holidays) |
4; must not exceed 800lbs |
$130 | $55 | $15 | $130 |
* All prices are subject to change without notice
Senior Citizens (65 years of age and older) will receive a 20% discount on All-Day Boat Rentals Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
All Lake Rules and Regulations must be followed at all times. Failure to adhere to RMRC rules and lake rules and regulations will result in the loss of your entire Deposit. If you return the boat late and or in a dirty condition, other than the way it was rented to you, this will also result in the loss of your entire deposit.
Dogs are welcome at the lake and on the boats.
For Fishing Information or Boat Rentals call (661) 775-6232.