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Castaic Lake Maps & Recreation Areas

Explore Castaic Lake with our maps and area guides.


Maps can help identify recreation areas, launch locations, fishing spots, coves, and emergency locations. When calling for Lifeguard assistance, use the map to identify your location whenever possible.

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Emergency Contact:
📞 Lifeguard Dispatch: (661) 257-4050

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IMPORTANT
Updated: June 26, 2025

Upper Lake Main Launch Ramp remains closed until further notice.

Upper Lake West Launch Ramp is open and accessible to the public.

Planning Your Visit?

 

Before you arrive, check hours, fees, current lake conditions, and facility updates.

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Upper Lake

Upper Lake Overview​

The Upper Lake is the primary location for motorized boating and offers 2,235 acres of waterways, coves, and fishing opportunities.

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  • Shoreline: Approximately 29 miles

  • Maximum Depth: Approximately 330 feet

  • Launch Ramps:

    • East (Main) Launch Ramp – 18 lanes

    • West (Seasonal) Launch Ramp – 6 lanes

 

The Upper Lake offers opportunities for:

  • Motorized boating

  • Fishing

  • Wakeboarding

  • Waterskiing

  • Personal watercraft (PWC)

  • Shoreline fishing

Upper Lake Recreation Areas​

East Arm

  • Dedicated fishing area

  • Shoreline fishing permitted

 

West Arm

  • Dedicated watercraft activity area

  • Includes skiing, wakeboarding, and towable water sports

 

PWC Area

  • Located near the dam

  • Approximately 1 mile in diameter

Upper Lake Boating Regulations​

  • All boats must have valid CF numbers, registration, and required safety equipment.

  • Boats are subject to inspection at any time.

  • All vessels must carry:

    • One Coast Guard-approved life jacket per person

    • One throwable flotation device for boats 16 feet or longer

    • Fire extinguisher for fuel-powered vessels

 

Important Rules​

  • Children 12 years old and younger must wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD.

  • Vessel operators must be at least 16 years old.

  • Maximum speed limit: 35 MPH

  • Launch areas and coves: 5 MPH

  • Swimming is prohibited.

  • Bow riding is prohibited.

  • Alcohol consumption is prohibited.

  • Firearms are prohibited.

  • Fueling any vessel on the water is prohibited.

  • Boats must travel in a counter-clockwise direction.

  • Launch and retrieval must occur only in designated areas.

Upper Lake Fishing Regulations​

  • All California Fish & Wildlife regulations apply.

  • Black bass regulations:

    • Minimum size: 15 inches

    • Limit: 5 fish

  • Fishing is not permitted from launch ramps or docks.

  • Cleaning fish on the water or shoreline is prohibited.

  • Trolling is not permitted in the ski area.

 

More information:
California Freshwater Fishing Regulations

Upper Lake Water Sports

Wakeboarding & Waterskiing

  • Restricted to designated areas shown on the map.

  • Ski boats must travel counter-clockwise.

  • Maximum:

    • One skier may be towed, OR

    • Two riders on a multiperson tube

  • Boats towing skiers must have an observer at least 12 years old.

  • Red ski flags are required when a skier, rope, or equipment is in the water.

Personal Watercraft (PWC) Rules

  • PWCs must remain in the designated PWC area.

  • PWCs must travel counter-clockwise.

  • Operators must be at least 16 years old.

  • PWCs may not tow skiers, tubes, or other equipment.

  • Maintain safe distance from other vessels.

  • PWCs must proceed directly to the PWC area after launching at no-wake speed.

  • Fueling must occur outside the water.

Lower Lake Lagoon

Lake Maps: Gallery

Lagoon Information

  • Approximately 3 miles of shoreline

  • Approximately 197 acres

  • Maximum depth: 70 feet

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Lower Lake Lagoon Overview

The Lower Lake Lagoon offers a variety of recreational opportunities including:

  • Fishing

  • Picnicking

  • Camping

  • Swimming (summer only)

  • Kayaking

  • Float tubes

  • Non-gasoline powered boating

Lower Lake Recreation Areas

East Side Lagoon

  • 24-hour fishing area

  • Pier fishing available

  • Shoreline fishing access

  • Handicap-accessible fishing pier located near campground entrance

 

West Side Lagoon

Features:

  • Summer swim beaches

  • Picnic areas

  • Hiking, biking, and equestrian trail access

Lower Lake Camping

The campground includes:

  • 60 campsites

  • RV, trailer, and tent camping

  • No hookups available

Shoreline trails are accessible from the campground.

Lower Lake Boating Rules

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Only the following are permitted:

  • Hand-powered vessels

  • Sail-powered vessels

  • Electric trolling motors

Gasoline engines are prohibited on Lagoon waters.

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Requirements

  • All vessels require a launch permit.

  • Vessels may be inspected at any time.

  • Each person must have a Coast Guard-approved PFD.

  • Children under 13 must wear a PFD.

  • Launch and retrieval must occur only in designated areas.

 

Additional rules:

  • Alcohol is prohibited.

  • Firearms are prohibited.

  • Follow all California Boating Laws and Los Angeles County ordinances.

Lower Lake Float Tube Rules

Float tubes are allowed only in the Lower Lake Lagoon.

Requirements:

  • Launch permit required.

  • Coast Guard-approved PFD must be worn.

  • 12” x 12” orange square required on rear of float tube.

  • Whistles or sound devices are strongly recommended.

  • California Fish & Wildlife regulations apply.

 

Lower Lake Swimming

Swimming is allowed only:

  • In designated swim areas

  • When lifeguards are on duty

Season:
Memorial Day through Labor Day (typically)

Safety:

  • Always supervise children near water.

  • Report lost children immediately to a lifeguard.

  • Pets must remain on leash.

  • Pets are not allowed in the water or on swim beaches.

 

Lower Lake Fishing Regulations

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Black Bass Limits

Effective March 1, 2015:

  • Limit: 5 black bass

  • Minimum size: 15 inches

 

Regulations:
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 5.00

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Current Conditions & Safety Notice

Boat launching may be limited depending on:

  • Weather

  • Wind conditions

  • Water conditions

Strong winds (typically 25+ MPH) may affect launching.

 

Visitors should watch for:

  • Floating debris

  • Mud flows

  • Partially submerged objects

 

Always monitor your vessel for possible overheating caused by debris affecting water intake.

Trails

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Streets

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