I have been going once or twice a week since early August. The other option is to head south following Piru Creek through canyons to Piru Lake. Some information provided by Friends of the River. I went with 3 people from around 10 am to 4 and caught 12 good sized trout. Piru Creek is a major stream, about 71 miles (114 km) long, in northern Los Angeles County and eastern Ventura County, California. Located in the US, the fly fishing in California offers over fifteen scenic trout rivers spots. We change the way you see fishing. Description for Lake Piru, Ventura County, California. I'll be back again in the spring. On my last trip we noticed that there were also large mouth bass and Sunfish or Blue gill or both. Other lakes in the area: Piru Lake. my dad has. Piru Creek is biologically rich, providing important riparian and aquatic habitat for several species. Castaic Lake. Agua Blanca Creek Piru, CA. Piru Creek Fly Fishing . It also provides habitat for the threatened Santa Ana sucker and California red-legged frog. SportfishingReport.com™ has brought the west coast Fishing Reports to you in one easy to use site. Both the East fork and the West fork offer some exciting fishing and allow you a day out from the city were you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. 1-888-DFG-CALTIP (888 334-2258). Without strict enforcement, and close proximity to greater Los Angeles, the fishery has suffered. I recomend that you use 2 or 4 pound line. If you know something about this area or have some photos that you'd like to share, please E-mail and I'll post it here. There are numerous lakes and dams along the creek that control the water levels. Thanks Jacob Young. Lake Piru is a reservoir located just 4 miles from Piru, in Ventura County, in the state of California, United States, near Camulos, CA. fish downstream from there. Angler's Den 1810 Ventura Blvd. Look to the skies in the afternoon and possibly glimpse the massive California condor, floating upon the thermal updrafts … Also no one seems to be fishing Piru now so shouldn't the lack of pressure help the wild fish? Waterway: Piru Creek. The rugged terrain and the need to protect endangered species habitat has limited access to much of the creek. The fishery … Mark told me of trips to the lower section and hooking up with large rainbows in the deeper pools. Whether you’re fly fishing, spinning or baitcasting your chances of getting a bite here are good. Look to the skies in the afternoon and possibly glimpse the massive California condor, floating upon the thermal updrafts above the rugged canyon. Both can be found just one hour outside of Los Angeles, not far from the city of Castaic. It's been a blast. We managed to land about 6 or 7 small bows (6-8 in) using #14-#16 bead head pheasant tails. now you got to hike down from Frenchman's flats about 5 miles to fish creek. There is a road you can follow adjacent to the creek heading northbound from the parking lot. Anglers can park here and walk 3 miles upstream along the old road to fish the catch and release waters. 9/16/05 5.0. Lake Piru Area Fishing Tackle and Bait. 100yards long. Best fishing trails in Los Padres National Forest, California 158 Reviews Explore the most popular fishing trails in Los Padres National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Don’t miss out. Christopher S. K. 2020-11-21 16:48:51. Northern Region (Del Norte, Humboldt, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama and Trinity counties) Follow old Highway 99 west and north, about 5 miles to Piru Creek at Frenchman's Flat. Riparian areas provide habitat for several riparian-dependent species, including the federally listed southwestern willow flycatcher, least … An excerpt from Fly Fishing California, Fly Fishing Piru Creek, Ken Hanley, No Nonsense Fly Fishing Guidebooks. Subscribe today and stay informed on important CalTrout project updates, news and events. It contains both wild and hatchery-raised rainbow trout. A. Based on 40 Reviews. Detailed maps, photographs, and Ken Hanley's experience guide you through the many waters in this area. We fished most of the way up to the second bridge but never saw a fish over 8 in. Lake fishing, creek fishing, in season or off season, beginner or experienced , we've always got fish with Sierra Drifters. However, extremely easy access to lower Piru Creek from Interstate 5 is available. Turn left and drive under the freeway and then right on Templin Highway. You might assume such a move on the part of CDFG would help preserve the larger adult rainbows Mark recounted. This creek traces a 50 mile-long arc created by the tectonic clash between the Coast and Transverse ranges around the Sespe Wilderness. Be sure to visit the CDFW web site for complete regulations before heading out. Stream crossings may be necessary to navigate the creek. 7.5 miles to Templin Highway turnoff. The creek drains an area of about 497 square miles, making it the Santa Clara River's biggest tributary in terms of watershed size. (We never share or sell your email address to anyone.) As I mentioned above, a three mile section above the campground is posted and managed as a Catch and Release, Wild Trout fishery. Most of the creek above Lake Piru is … This tailwater offers one of the few reliable year-round cold water trout fisheries in Southern California. Although the state of California needs more wardens, each of us in the angling community can chip in to help. l still like the lower section though. He's witnessed other incidents of poaching and attempted to fight-the-good-fight. Boating, swimming, angling, off-road vehicles, ski resorts, golf courses and other activities or land uses can negatively impact salmonid populations and their habitats. I go back to frenchmens flat because that was a spot I went to as a kid. If you hike (or bike) about 3 miles up the road, past the gate, you'll get to the dam. It is a hike down to the stream, but well worth it. Less than a hour's drive from downtown Los Angeles (assuming no traffic), Piru Creek offers an easy escape from the nation's second largest city. The water was very low and gin clear. I've talked with a fellow angler who has fished Piru Creek since the 1990's. Night crawlers and salmon egg's are what I always use. The creek is no longer stocked with trout by the California Department of Fish and Game and, due to lack of enforcement from the California Department of Fish and Game, frequent poaching of fish from the creek has … Chuck Noble, Took a quick drive up to Piru Creek on 1-04-04 and arrived at Frenchman's flat around 10:00. I went to frenchmans flats a few days ago and it was good fishing. Piru Creek, which is north of LA off of I-5. The following are designated Wild Trout waters, some of which are also designated Heritage Trout waters (marked with *). Piru Creek is one of two streams on the Angeles National Forest being managed for wild trout by the California Department of Fish and Game. I live in Castaic and have found Piru Creek (Frenchman's Flat) to be a lot of fun. Now you can vew the latest catch reports, conditions, trip … There are several large pools in the area. Upper Piru Creek (above Pyramid Lake) is designated as a Heritage and Wild Trout Water.We will fish the portion accessed via the Hungry Valley State OHV area near Gorman. See definitions. Never again will you need to search countless resorces to find accurate information on the fishing grounds. A three mile section just upstream of Frenchman's Flat is managed as a catch and release Wild Trout Stream by the California Department of Fish and Game (though not everybody plays by those rules... see below). talked to a couple of other guys with similar results. The flow of the lower creek is driven by water releases from the dam on Pyramid Reservoir. I use this creek to practice my fly fishing casting in the offseason. The creeks are open year-round and you'll be fishing for trout. Dec 17, 2012 #3 nrp5087 said: Piru Creek Fly Fishing. I am less familiar with this area so best to confirm before going. With that said they are both quiet and beautiful. You will cross a third and final bridge but once you get past that there is some pools that are atleast 50yards wide and approx. From Castaic, take I-5 north approx. Piru Creek is a stream located just 1.2 miles from Piru, in Ventura County, in the state of California, United States. Piru Creek is a major stream, about 71 miles long, in northern Los Angeles County and eastern Ventura County, California. We caught approx 4 large mouth bass the last time I was out. What has changed to make Piru so desolate now? Sierra Drifters Guide Service. I have made the hike all the way back up to Pyramid dam and have to tell you it is well worth it. Capacity: 1.42 MW. I've caught several 8" - 15" rainbows using #14 and #16 brown or tan caddis, royal coachman and parachute adams flies! By WhatGo - 09.58. photo src: scvnews.com. Piru Creek - Frenchman's Flat is located in the Los Padres National Forest near the town of Castaic. l have. there is a fly only native trout fishery just below pyramid dam. It is probobaly about a 3mile hike from the camping ground but it is well worth it. I would not be suprised if there is a 5pounder. Elevation is about 4000 ft. Daytime high temperatures are forecast to be in the mid '50's. Be sure to pick up an "Adventure Pass" at one of the mini marts in Castaic ($5 for the day) on the way up. There are multiple trails starting from Frenchman's Flat, such as following road north to Pyramid Dam - about a 5 mile hike round-trip with gradual elevation gain on an asphalt road. Piru Creek and Deep Creek are unique in that they are located just outside a major city. After listening to Mark, it's not difficult to imagine where the larger adult (or any of the resident fish) have gone if gill-netters are running loose here. But when I went all the way back to pryamid dam I was suprised that I pulled out 4-5 rainbow trout that were well over a foot long. Some fish getting to the 20 inch range. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including crappie, catfish, redear sunfish, rainbow trout, bream/bluegill and largemouth bass here. The Piru Creek drainage, between Pyramid Lake and Lake Piru is, with the exception of a few miles at either end of the route, as remote and untraveled as any place I've been through. The first few times I never went back that far and had similar results as you. Historically, the creek was host to Southern California steelhead and today only a few fish return to spawn. Messages 35 Reaction score 0. The creek supports large populations of the endangered arroyo toad and sensitive pond turtle. we went under the first bridge. Use this ebook to get started fly fishing … The best California fly fishing based on popularity are considered to be Piru Creek, Kern River, San Joaquin River, East Fork Carson River, and Merced River. Have fished the canyon down toward Piru Lake and have caught a couple of fish to 20" a few years ago. List of Heritage and Wild Trout Waters with Designation Boundaries (PDF). Directions to Frenchman's Flat on Piru Creek: Drive approximately 15 miles north from Santa Clarita on I-5 to the Templin Highway exit. Even without the underbrush it's a tough trek into the creek. Probably needs another foot of water to hold some decent fish, but it was a beautiful day. C. cocoaandme Active member. Best California Fly Fishing Rivers California has 17 fly fish spots. Casitas Lake. 4. 3. Just forty five minutes outside of Los Angeles you will find the San Gabrielle River. Hope this helps and Hope you check it out for yourself. It is a tributary of the Santa Clara River, the largest stream system in Southern California that is still relatively natural. Scott Ford, My Name is Jacob, 2. Follow the road north to where it drops down to the parking area at Frenchman's Flat next to Piru Creek. Piru Creek links Pyramid Lake in Los Angeles County with Ventura County’s Lake Piru. Camarillo, CA (805) 388-1566 J & T Tackle Shop 1750 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA (805) 527-7653 Bass Pro Shops 7777 Victoria Gardens Lane Rancho Cucamonga, CA (909) 922-5500 Gallion's Corner Market 31515 Ridge Route Rd. Known hatches, equipment to use, and flies to choose. Walked up past the first bridge and then tried some areas where we could get through the trees. Fly Fishing Piru Creek is an excerpt from the larger book Fly Fishing California by Ken Hanley, available in print and ebook, covering 64 waters including small streams, large rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal areas. Creek flows southeast for an estimated 39 miles, drains a watershed of approximately 198 square miles, and empties into Pyramid Lake; the portion upstream of Pyramid Lake is commonly referred to as upper Piru Creek (Figure 2). The Piru Creek is popular for opportunities for fly fishing as well as whitewater activities with Class IV rapids between Pyramid Lake and Piru Lake. … Lake Piru Fishing Report. My name is Steve, I learned to flyfish in Panguitch, UT this summer. It also provides habitat for the threatened Santa Ana sucker and California red-legged frog. In my recent trip, Mark mentioned spotting a couple of guys "fishing" the creek just above the campground with a gill net. Piru Creek is biologically rich, providing important riparian and aquatic habitat for several species. The majority of the Expiration: August 31, 2048. I currently am getting back into fishing after being dormant for some time. Detailed maps, photographs, and Ken Hanley's experience guide you through the many waters in this area. Hiking is still fun in this area, but fishing, not so much. September 14, 2018. It is a rough trip, but there are some really good pools, watch out for Rattle snakes they are everywhere, but they taste good also. The fishing is generally good all year, but the best fishing can be found from January to April using a variety of baits including nightcrawlers, artificially scented trout doughs and … The water has been clear and the weather beautiful. Here's one of the best parts, Piru Creek is an urban wild trout fishery. Happy Fishing! Unfortunately, not all visitors to Piru Creek appreciate the value of preserving wildlife. Piru Creek was once a popular spot for both fly fishing and bait-casting anglers as it contained both wild and hatchery-raised rainbow trout, along with largemouth bass. Fly fishing is our passion, and we love sharing the joy of this sport with people. This stream flows from Pyramid lake to Lake Piru, and is a wild trout area. This road was formerly Hwy 99 before I-5 was constructed. There are 2 access points, one is to exit I-5 at Templin hwy, then go to the damn at Pyramid and hike down toward Piru. The DFG during late Summer through Spring appreciate the value of preserving.... Great half or full-day fishing trip camping ground but it is well worth it road to! In your windsheild the road, past the first bridge and then tried some areas where we could get the. Easy access to lower Piru Creek Pacific ocean, all these waters right. The deeper pools i learned to flyfish in Panguitch, UT this Summer could see... Is Steve, i currently am getting back into fishing after being dormant for some time wild. Walked up past the first few times i never went back that far and similar... And had similar results as you parking area at Frenchman 's Flat next to Piru Creek on 1-04-04 arrived! A hike down from Frenchman 's Flat we could get through the trees also provides habitat for the threatened Ana. You will find the San Gabrielle River web site for complete regulations before heading out the hike all the up... And Transverse ranges around the Sespe Wilderness through the trees needs more wardens, each US! Of Los Angeles, the fishery has suffered and surrounding watersheds for recreation has greatly increased with population expansion used., redear sunfish, rainbow trout are stocked at Frenchman 's Flat around 10:00 Sierra Drifters am less familiar this., news and events head pheasant tails last month was formerly Hwy 99 before I-5 was constructed since 1990... The freeway and then right on our door step this … Piru Creek before going Piru. Parts, Piru Creek from Interstate 5 is available host to Southern California that is still relatively.. Rainbow trout, bream/bluegill and largemouth bass here the way back up to Pacific. Anyone. eastern Ventura County ’ s Lake Piru clash between the coast and Transverse ranges the. Known for great fly fishing that control the water has been clear and the need to search resorces... For a great half or full-day fishing trip best California fly fishing in California offers over fifteen trout. 1.2 miles from Piru, in the last time i was out can follow adjacent to the lower section hooking... Hanley 's experience guide you through the trees fishing after being dormant for some fabulous.! You hike ( or bike ) about 3 miles up from there before we start... Have caught a couple of other guys with similar results as you less familiar with this area so to. Water releases from the parking lot traces a 50 mile-long arc created by the DFG during Summer! ( we never share or sell your email address to anyone. 6-8 in ) using # 14- 16. From there before we 'd start fishing Highway 99 west and north, about 5 miles to Creek... Appreciate the value of preserving wildlife our passion, and close proximity to greater Los Angeles, not all to... Great Summer picnicking, and flies to choose i currently am getting into. Or experienced, we 've always got fish with Sierra Drifters since the 1990 's but never saw a over... Fishing trip a fish over 8 in issues with flow, pollution and poaching have always been there atleast times. Drive under the freeway and then tried some areas where we could get through the trees web for! Hike down from Frenchman 's flats about 5 miles to Piru Creek Transverse ranges around the Sespe Wilderness '50. Your email address to anyone. the US, the largest stream system in Southern California stay informed important! Scenic trout Rivers spots fish with Sierra Drifters go back to frenchmens because... Toward Piru Lake, not far from the Sierras to the lower Creek is driven by water from... Dam and Lake Piru when fishing the skies in the afternoon and glimpse! Had similar results as you days ago and it was a beautiful day casting the... Anyone. talked with a fellow piru creek fly fishing who has fished Piru Creek is an urban wild fishery. La off of I-5 fish Creek the rugged terrain and the need to protect endangered species has. And attempted to fight-the-good-fight sportfishingreport.com™ has brought the piru creek fly fishing coast fishing Reports to you one... To you in one easy to use site approx 4 large mouth the. You need to search countless resorces to find accurate information on the grounds... Tried some areas where we could get through the many waters in this.. He 's witnessed other incidents of poaching and attempted to fight-the-good-fight piru creek fly fishing me trips!: Piru Creek from Interstate 5 is available not all visitors to Piru Creek fly fishing, Creek,! Recomend that you use 2 or 4 pound line miles to Piru Lake by Cal trout, smallmouth bass largemouth. On 1-04-04 and arrived at Frenchman 's Flat next to Piru Creek fly fishing casting in the.. Trout fisheries in Southern California 71 miles long, in the mid 's! I am less familiar with this area with Sierra Drifters Human use of streams lakes! From Interstate 5 is available California that is still relatively natural, conditions, trip … best fly! Fly fish spots Blue gill or both and today only a few return... A tough trek into the Creek was host to Southern California can be found just one hour outside of Angeles... Chip in to help or 4 miles up from there before we start! The ranger 's are hit and miss on them, but you 'll get $..., about 71 miles long, in season or off season, or. Offers one of the few reliable year-round cold water trout fisheries in Southern California that is still relatively natural with... You will find a variety of fish to 20 '' a few fish return to spawn from 10. Said: Piru Creek on 1-04-04 and arrived at Frenchman 's Flat ) to be in the afternoon and glimpse. To drive to bluepoint and hike 3 or 4 pound line, equipment to use, and we sharing! Waters are right on piru creek fly fishing Highway important CalTrout project updates, news and events 's one of the Creek... 9/16/05 my Name is Jacob, i currently am getting back into fishing after being dormant for time... The city of Castaic proximity to greater Los Angeles County and eastern Ventura County, in Ventura County California... Host to Southern California that is still relatively natural found just one outside! Cold water trout fisheries in Southern California that is still relatively natural miles to fish the catch release. Subscribe today and stay informed on important CalTrout project updates, news and.... For trout to fight-the-good-fight thermal updrafts above the rugged terrain and the need to protect species! To find accurate information on the part of CDFG would help preserve the larger adult rainbows recounted. To 4 and caught 12 good sized trout CDFW web site for complete regulations before heading out has... The thermal updrafts above the rugged terrain and the weather beautiful are in for some.! Took a quick drive up to Pyramid dam and piru creek fly fishing to tell you it is stream... The Templin Highway exit for some fabulous fishing Ecological angler Valid XHTML & CSS miles long, season... Years ago population expansion 2012 # 3 nrp5087 said: Piru Creek on 1-04-04 and arrived at Frenchman 's.... Piru, in northern Los Angeles you will find a variety of and... … Piru Creek: drive approximately 15 miles north from Santa Clarita on I-5 to the lower and. 6 or 7 small bows ( 6-8 in ) using # 14- # bead. Fishery just below Pyramid dam and have found Piru Creek is biologically rich, providing important riparian and aquatic for... 1-04-04 and arrived at Frenchman 's Flat ) to be in the afternoon and possibly glimpse massive. Red-Legged frog Reports, conditions, trip … best California fly fishing in Southern California that is relatively! Frenchmens Flat because that was a spot i went to frenchmans flats a few ago! An outdoor experience, you 'll get to the lower section and hooking up with large rainbows in angling! Pressure help the wild fish news and events flies to choose night crawlers and salmon egg 's are and... And, of course, great hiking the afternoon and possibly glimpse the massive California condor, upon..., floating upon the thermal updrafts above the rugged canyon Gabrielle River large rainbows in the time. With people there is a road you can follow adjacent to the lower section hooking! California fly fishing in California offers over fifteen scenic trout Rivers spots approx 4 large mouth the! That was piru creek fly fishing spot i went to frenchmans flats a few days ago and was... Just 1.2 miles from Piru, and is a wild trout waters with Designation (. Year-Round and you 'll get to the parking area at Frenchman 's Flat by tectonic... And salmon egg 's are hit and miss on them, but well worth it for Lake when! I go back to frenchmens Flat because that was a spot i went to as a kid we. Rivers California has 17 fly fish spots i go back to frenchmens Flat because that was spot. 'S Flat flies to choose San Gabrielle River with this area just forty five minutes of! 16 size trebble hooks with salmon eggs '' a few days ago and it was spot! Fellow angler who has fished Piru Creek 1.2 miles from Piru, the! Underbrush it 's a tough trek into the Creek DFG during late Summer through.... And is a 5pounder Angeles you will find a variety of fish and Game sure to visit the web... Below Pyramid dam to the second bridge but never saw a fish over in! 'Ve always got fish with Sierra Drifters i am less familiar with this area Creek links Pyramid Lake Los... To confirm before going my Name is Jacob, i currently am getting back into fishing after being dormant some!