The Best Crappie Fishing Spot in Southern California

by California Outdoor Pro on April 19, 2021

1. Lake Henshaw

Location and Directions:

26439 Highway 76
Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

Lake Henshaw is located 35 miles North of San Diego in the beautiful Cleveland National Forest. From I-15 take hwy. 76 east to the lake. Or, from I-5, take hwy 76 (in Oceanside) east.


General Info:

The lake is open year round, 7 days a week, 6:30 am to sunset. Entrance fee is $5.00 per person, 12 and under are free. A $2 pet pass is required for dogs. Camping is available for $14-$16 a night. They even have cabins available for $45-$80 per night. There is a lake store for tackle and supplies but the prices are steep. The only other stores are 11 miles away in Santa Ysabel. (760) 782-3501. 2,219 surface acres at capacity, 16 miles of shoreline. Elevation: 2,727 feet.

Boating Info:

    There is a free launch ramp and rental boats are available for $10-$30 per day. 10 foot min., 10 mph on private boats.

 

Fishing Info:

    Rainbow trout were planted here for the first time in the winter of 2003. Lake management plans to continue trout plants during the winter months. This is also a very good Catfish and Crappie lake. The Crappie are usually good sized averaging about a pound! There are also lots of Bass (12" size limit) and Bluegill here. No swimming/skiing is allowed which makes this a nice lake to fish. Be sure to visit the CDFW web site for complete regulations before heading out.

2. Lake Elsinore


Location and Directions:

32040 Riverside Dr.
Lake Elsinore, CA. 92530

Lake Elsinore is located in Riverside Co. off hwy. 15. From Los Angeles take I-5 south to hwy 91 east. Go south on I-15 to the Main St. exit.

General Info:

     The lake has 3,300 surface acres and 15 miles of shoreline, including 5 miles of foot-access beach for fishing. Elevation is 1,228 feet. Entrance fee is $5 per car and $6 to use the launch ramp. There are numerous campgrounds around the lake from $15-$20 per night. There is also numerous snack bars and marinas around the lake. (909) 674-3124, (909) 471-1212.

Boating Info:

    All boaters are required to have a Lake Use Pass when on the Lake. Daily Lake Use passes are $15 and can be purchased at all boat launch facilities. A separate fee may be charged for boat launching and day use, which varies per facility. Annual Lake Use Passes, good for the calendar year are available only at the Cashier at City Hall during regular business hours.


Fishing Info:

    This lake was once regarded as a "boating only" lake, but has recently become a hot spot for So. California anglers. The City of Elsinore has recently taken great measures to improve the fishery in this lake including structure and habitat building and regular fish stockings. White bass were planted in early 2005 to control the enourmous carp population there. Trout, bass, white bass, panfish, catfish and carp can be taken here in good numbers. Be sure to visit the CDFW web site for complete regulations before heading out.

3. Lake Castaic

Location and Directions:

32100 Ridge Route Rd.
Castaic, CA. 91384

     Lake Castaic is located off of Interstate 5 approximately 45 miles north of Los Angeles. From I-5 exit Lake Hughes rd. and go east to the lake entrance.

 

General Info:

    The lake consits of approx. 2,230 surface acres at capacity. It rests at an elevation of 1,500 feet and is surrounded by the Castaic Lake State Recreation area. The lake is open year round from sunrise to sunset. (Closed Christmas) 24-hour fishing is available in the lower lake. Entrance fee is $11.00 per car. There is a bait shop and a Mobil mini-mart to serve your needs. Camping is available at the lake and at Castaic Lake RV Park. Call for reservations! (661) 257-4050, Castaic Lagoon (661) 295-0849, Castaic RV Park (661) 257-3340, Camping Reservations (661) 257-4050. Castaic Lake  Official Lake Website.

4. Lake Hodges

Location and Directions:

     Lake Hodges is located near San Diego off of Int. 15. From San Diego take I-15 North and exit Via Rancho Parkway East to the lake

 

General Info:

    Lake Hodges consists of 1,234 surface acres at capacity and has 12 miles of shoreline set at an elevation of 330 feet. Entrance fees are $8 for adults and $2.50 for youths 8-15. The lake is open February through October for day use only - no camping is allowed. The nearest Camping is located at Dixon Lake There are numerous picnic tables and barbeques available and many hiking trails that cover the surrounding territory. There is a lake store for tackle and supplies. (760) 432-2023 For more information.

5. Lake Piru

Location and Directions:

4780 Piru Canyon Road
Piru, CA 93040

    Lake Piru is located approx. 35 miles North of L.A. in the Los Padres National Forest. From I-5. Take Rt. 126 West to Piru Canyon Rd. exit. Go North 6 miles to the lake.


General Info:

    Lake Piru consists of 1,200 surface acres and 12 miles of shoreline at capacity. It rests at an elevation of 1,055 feet amongst the rolling oak hills of Ventura Co. They are open year round sunrise to sunset. (except Christmas Day) There is a very nice campground with hot shower facilities, picnic areas and swim beach. There is a general store for supplies. Ranger Station - (805) 521-1500.

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