Westlake Fishing
General Information
Fishing is a favorite pastime for young and old here on the lake. Our waters contain Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill Sunfish, and a minnow-sized critter known as a Silverside. Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides) is the dominant fish in our lake and one of the nation’s most prized game fish. We take special care to protect our wonderful fishery by limiting fishing to barbless hooks, artificial bait only, and a strict catch-and-release policy. Fish caught in their bony mouth area and quickly released back to the water suffer no ill effects from the experience.
Although Westlake Lake is a catch-and-release lake, no fish may be removed from the lake except for invasive fish species, common carp. WLMA authorizes and encourages persons fishing the lake to catch, remove, and dispose of common carp, per the Carp Disposal Guidelines under WLMA guidelines in the Fishing Rules.
Westlake Lake is private, and fishing is open to only those who display a current WLMA fishing badge. Property owners and residents in the Westlake Community may apply for a WLMA fishing badge, and they may also apply for guest fishing badges for others under their respective supervision. For contact details, contact the WLMA office.
Also be advised that though Westlake Lake is a private lake, the California State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, under law, requires you to have possession of a state fishing license, in addition to WLMA requiring its own fishing badge, to fish at Westlake Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You may purchase an annual badge that is labeled "Guest" for this purpose. The primary fishing badge holder must always accompany their guests using this "Guest" badge when fishing. Apply Here
Yes, your fishing permit badge must be clearly displayed when fishing from a boat. You are required to always cooperate with Lake Patrol, other WLMA lake operations personnel, security and law enforcement personnel, and fish & wildlife authorities.
Permit badges are valid for the calendar year. Your permit badge expires on Dec. 31st regardless of when it was purchased.
Fishing is permitted 365 days a year from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Fishing may be done from a boat or from designated land fishing areas during these hours. For any fishing during the one hour before sunrise or after sunset by allowed watercraft (e.g., fishing boats), fixed running lights are required (not allowed are clamp-on lights, flashlights, lanterns, candles, etc.). This exception to fish when dark does not include low-profile sailboats and other low-profile watercraft with or without lights, or with and without power such as kayaks or shells, as they are not permitted on the water any time after sunset or before sunrise when the lake is dark.
Yes, your fishing permit badge must be clearly displayed when fishing. You are required to always cooperate with Lake Patrol, other WLMA lake operations personnel, security and law enforcement personnel, and fish & wildlife authorities.
Notify the boat owner immediately. If this is not possible, jot down the four-digit boat number on the back of the boat and contact the WLMA Onsite Office.
In addition to obtaining a WLMA fishing permit, a separate California fishing license is required if you are 16 years old or older. The California State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife regulate fishing on all bodies of water in the state, public and private, and these California fishing laws apply to Westlake Lake. You must follow all state regulations, or you may be subject to state fishing law fines.
Be mindful of your casting and retrieval to ensure you do not damage boats, dock structures, or other nearby properties. Also, be careful not to cast or fish near other people to avoid an unintentional injury to others. Failure to report damage (or an injury to others by your fishing) to the WLMA Onsite Office is considered a violation of the lake rules and may result in involvement by law enforcement.
Yes. Westlake Lake is a catch-and-release lake, and all fish must be released immediately, with the exception of common carp; see carp disposal guidelines. See Carp Disposal Guidelines.
The WLMA fishing badge grants access to fish the lake waters only from designated permitted areas listed in WLMA's rules and regulations; it does not grant access to, or permission to trespass upon, any private homeowner or private community docks, beaches, or common areas. Access to these areas is strictly reserved for homeowners and residents of that specific community and their accompanied guests (with a "Guest" badge noted in FAQ 1 above), and subject to each of the homeowner community fishing rules that could vary by community.