Crappie

Crappie fishing near Santa Paula, California, can be quite rewarding if you know where to look. Lake Casitas, with its submerged timber and brush piles, provides excellent habitat for crappie. While not always easy to find, these fish can be caught in good numbers, particularly during the spring spawning season. Look for them in shallow coves and around submerged structure in the early spring as the water warms. Small jigs and minnows fished under a bobber are highly effective. During the rest of the year, crappie tend to move deeper, so try fishing near submerged trees and brush piles in 15-25 feet of water. A fish finder is invaluable for locating these structures. Local anglers often have success near the dam. Remember to use light line, as crappie can be line-shy. Also, be sure to check the specific regulations for Lake Casitas regarding crappie size and bag limits. While Lake Piru also holds crappie, Lake Casitas is generally considered the better option in the Santa Paula area.