Lake Piru - Piru, CA

Lake Information
Fish Species: | Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, White Crappie |
Lake Piru, located in Ventura County near the town of Piru, is a 1,200-acre reservoir known for consistent warmwater fishing in a scenic and lightly developed setting. Managed by the United Water Conservation District, the lake supports largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and occasional trout.
Largemouth bass are the primary target, especially during spring when fish move shallow to spawn. Anglers use plastics, jigs, and spinnerbaits around flooded brush and rocky points. In summer, deeper techniques such as drop-shotting and Carolina rigs are more effective. Smallmouth bass inhabit rocky zones and respond well to jerkbaits and finesse rigs.
Crappie fishing is best in spring and fall around brush piles and docks, using small jigs or minnows. Bluegill and redear sunfish provide reliable action in summer, particularly near weed beds using live bait.
Channel catfish are caught throughout the warm months using cut bait and stink baits fished on the bottom in deeper coves and creek arms. Trout are rarely stocked now and are only an occasional catch during cool months.
Lake Piru offers boat rentals, launch ramps, and camping. Quagga mussel inspections are required. A California fishing license is mandatory, and all CDFW regulations apply.
Lake Piru’s quiet atmosphere, healthy bass fishery, and multiple species make it a solid choice for Southern California freshwater anglers.
Largemouth bass are the primary target, especially during spring when fish move shallow to spawn. Anglers use plastics, jigs, and spinnerbaits around flooded brush and rocky points. In summer, deeper techniques such as drop-shotting and Carolina rigs are more effective. Smallmouth bass inhabit rocky zones and respond well to jerkbaits and finesse rigs.
Crappie fishing is best in spring and fall around brush piles and docks, using small jigs or minnows. Bluegill and redear sunfish provide reliable action in summer, particularly near weed beds using live bait.
Channel catfish are caught throughout the warm months using cut bait and stink baits fished on the bottom in deeper coves and creek arms. Trout are rarely stocked now and are only an occasional catch during cool months.
Lake Piru offers boat rentals, launch ramps, and camping. Quagga mussel inspections are required. A California fishing license is mandatory, and all CDFW regulations apply.
Lake Piru’s quiet atmosphere, healthy bass fishery, and multiple species make it a solid choice for Southern California freshwater anglers.
Latest Fish Reports
Date | Report | Author |
4-25-2023 | We will re-open to boating at 630 a.m. on Saturday April 29th ANNOUNCEMENT!!!! The last load of debris from the lakes... more » |
Lake Piru Staff |
4-7-2023 | Lake Piru Update UPDATE!!! Despite our best efforts we are unable to... more » |
Lake Piru Staff |
3-23-2023 | Recharging ground water for beneficial uses and the conservation Today was a magical day to witness the... more » |
Lake Piru Staff |
3-12-2023 | 7 feet from spilling The recent rains have the lake just 7... more » |
Lake Piru Staff |
3-1-2023 | Start of cleanup debris on the reservoirs surface UPDATE!!! Today our team initiated the start of our... more » |
Lake Piru Staff |
Detailed Map
