Location
and Overview A
part of Piru Creek, Frenchman Flat is located less than an hour's drive
from Los Angeles (check out the map).
Exit I-5 on Templin Highway, go west, and turn north on Golden State
Highway (Old Highway 99). A parking area off the highway to the left
is located right above Frenchman Flat. Anglers can fish either direction
from the parking area, but if you choose to go upstream make sure you
are aware of the special regulations noted below.
Fishin'
Frenchman Flat
Rainbow
trout are the main attraction in this part of Piru Creek, although some
anglers have reported taking small (6-8 inch) largemouth bass in parts
of the creek as well. The California Department of Fish and Game stocks
trout in the Frenchman Flat area from late fall through spring; see
their website for the fish
planting schedule.
Anglers
going after trout on light tackle have had good luck with salmon eggs,
nightcrawlers, and Power Bait. Fly fishermen report good results with
an assortment of #14 or #16 flies including the tan or brown caddis,
parachute adams, bead head pheasant tail, and royal coachman. While
most of the trout caught are pan size, several in the three to four
pound range have also turned up.
Weather
Southern California weather is typically pleasant, with high temperatures
ranging from the 50's and 60's in winter to the 90's during the summer
months. This area can get fog at times, as well as wind and rain which
can make it downright cold during the winter, but at an elevation of
about 2100 feet Frenchman Flat has few of the vagaries of weather that
are typically found at higher elevations. Make sure you check the weather
forecast before going out and plan accordingly.
Click
here to see current weather conditions and forecasts for the town
of Castaic, CA.
Lodging
and Camping
The closest campgrounds to Frenchman Flat are at Castaic
Lake, Lake Piru, and Pyramid
Lake (follow the links for more info, including rates, location,
and reservations). The Castaic
Lake RV Park in the town of Castaic, CA offers full RV hookups for
those who like to camp in comfort.
The
closest hotels to the Frenchman Flat area can be found in the town of
Castaic,
but for those willing to drive a little way the possibilities increase
exponentially, especially since Los Angeles is less than an hour away.
If you plan on staying in an area hotel, always call ahead or go online
and make reservations.
Licensing
and Regulations
All fishermen in the Frenchman Flat area must possess a valid California
fishing license while fishing. Additionally, be aware
of some special regulations and closures in effect in the area:
-The stretch
of Piru Creek from Pyramid Dam downstream to the bridge located 300
yards below the dam is closed to all fishing.
- The stretch
of Piru Creek from the bridge located 300 yards below Pyramid Dam downstream
to the falls located 1/2 mile above the Old Highway 99 bridge is catch
and release only. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.
The rest of Piru Creek, including the Frenchman Flat area, is open to
fishing day and night, all year long. A five-fish bag limit applies.
Additionally,
Piru Creek is located within the Los Padres National Forest. All vehicles
parked within the National Forest boundaries must display a current
Adventure
Pass. These cost $30 and are good for one year, and can be purchased online
or from any of numerous vendors throughout southern California. Click
here to find an Adventure Pass vendor in your area.
