Crappie

Crappie fishing near Fillmore centers around Lake Piru. These panfish are most active during the spring spawning season, when they move into shallow coves and near submerged structure. Look for brush piles, submerged trees, and docks. Small jigs and minnows are the go-to baits. A slip bobber rig can be particularly effective for presenting your bait at the right depth. Fall can also be a productive time as crappie school up before winter. Lake Piru's crappie population fluctuates, so check local fishing reports for recent success stories. A practical tip: Lake Piru can get crowded, especially on weekends, so consider fishing during the week or early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The crappie here are known to be somewhat finicky, so experiment with different colors and presentations.