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Lake Information for Castaic Lake


Map: 
Description: 

Castaic Lake is a lake on Castaic Creek formed by Castaic Dam, in northwestern Los Angeles County, California, near the town of Castaic. The 323,700 acre foot lake (399,000,000 m³) with a surface elevation of approximately 1,500 feet (460 m) above sea level is the terminus of the West Branch of the California Aqueduct, though some comes from the 154 mi² (399 km²) watershed above the dam. The aqueduct water comes from Pyramid Lake through a pipeline and is used to power Castaic Power Plant, on the northern end of the lake. In addition, the lake is the lower reservoir in a pumped-storage hydroelectric system. Water is pumped back up to Pyramid Lake at night, when electricity demand and cost is low. During the day, when prices and demand are high, the water is let back down. Water from the lake is distributed throughout the northern portion of the Greater Los Angeles Area. Some water is released into Castaic Lagoon below the dam, which drains into Castaic Creek. The creek flows south until it meets the Santa Clara River, a few miles west of Santa Clarita.
Castaic Lake is a "de facto" replacement reservoir for the St. Francis Dam, which was located in San Francisquito Canyon, the next canyon to the east. The St. Francis Dam collapsed due to a geologic fault in 1928, and the resulting flood killed over 400 people in the Santa Clara River Valley.

Facilities and Parks: 

Area amenities include fishing, picnicking, camping, non-gasoline powered boating and swimming (seasonal). The East Side Lagoon offers anglers 24-hour shoreline fishing. A 60-site campground will accommodate campers, trailers, RV’s and tents. No hookups are available. The two-lane launch ramp is utilized by canoes, sailboats/boards, kayaks, float tubes and vessels with trolling motors. The West Side Lagoon, in addition to being the location of seasonal swim beaches, boasts a large number of picnic areas. Hiking, biking and equestrian trails are also easily accessible.

Directions to Lake: 

From Los Angeles:
1. Take the 5 freeway north past Magic Mountain
2. Exit Lake Hughes Road.
3. Turn Right on Lake Hughes Road at the bottom of the off ramp.
4. Continue on Lake Hughes Road, you will pass the lower lake (on the left) as you proceed up the hill approximately 1 mile then turn left at the main marina sign.

Fish: 
Largemouth Bass
Fish: 
Rainbow Trout
Fish: 
Striped Bass
Optional Information
Surface area: 
323700.00
Name: 
Castaic Lake
Lake type: 
reservoir
State: 
California

Businesses Located Nearby

Bait & Tackle

    Wylie's Bait & Tackle
  • 18757 Pacific Coast Hwy - Malibu, CA
  • (310) 456-2321

Boat Rental

    Castaic Landing Boat Rentals
  • 32132 Ridge Route Rd - Val Verde, CA
  • (661) 775-6232

Vacation Rental

    Luxurious Golf Course Living Vacation Rentals
  • 1590 Ramona Dr - Camarillo, CA
  • (619) 993-1138

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