Lake San Antonio Fishing Overview

Situated along the central coast in the mountains of Monterey County, Lake San Antonio sits in a sprawling wilderness. While on the water, you may come across a variety of wildlife, including deer, bald eagles, mountain lions, wild pigs, bobcats, or even badgers. Lake San Antonio is primarily known for its bass fishing. Abundant with both smallmouth and largemouth bass, the lake is most vibrant during the spring and summer months. While you might not find record-sized bass here, the sheer quantity more than makes up for it. The diverse lake...

Lake San Antonio is primarily known for its bass fishing. Abundant with both smallmouth and largemouth bass, the lake is most vibrant during the spring and summer months. While you might not find record-sized bass here, the sheer quantity more than makes up for it. The diverse lake structures, from canyons and coves to submerged willow branches, offer prime bass habitat. Fast-moving reaction lures tend to be the most effective. However, as temperatures rise, bass often retreat to deeper, cooler waters, particularly during mid-day. In such conditions, using slow-moving plastics at depths of 30-50 feet is advised.

Lake San Antonio is not just for bass fishing, as it supports stripers, channel cats, crappie, and bluegill. On warm summer days, you might even spot locals fly-fishing for hefty carp.

A solid selection of amenities are available, including marinas, campgrounds, boat launches, and RV parking. When planning a trip, beware the lake level can fluctuate considerably, which can change fishing conditions quickly.

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Species:

Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Redear sunfish

Stocked Date:

Trout stocked 4 months ago - View Schedule

Trophy Fish:

Largemouth Bass: 9 lb 4 oz
Smallmouth Bass: 3 lb 14 oz
Striped Bass: 36 lb 4 oz
Channel Catfish: 25 lb
Crappie: 3 lb 8 oz

Boating / Access:

Open to all boating

Geography:

Max Depth: 210 ft

Surface Area: 5,720 acres

Surface Elevation: 779 ft

Fishing Reports

Log Report

Lake San Antonio

Jan 16

California

Public

Good Catfish bite

Trout, Bass, Catfish

53°F Slightly Stained

San Antonio is hovering around 53°F and remains roughly half full. It received its first trout plant of the season during the final week of December, but the bite never fully materialized. A few trout are still being caught on chartreuse or rainbow PowerBait, though limits have been tough to come by. Catfish have been a far more consistent option...

Catfish have been a far more consistent option, with the best action coming from the backs of coves and inlet areas. Garlic shrimp and chicken liver have been getting fish mostly in the 2-4 pound range, perfect for the dinner table, but nothing giant.

Bass have shifted into deeper winter patterns. While overall numbers are down, a few guides are still reporting occasional fish on deep-diving crankbaits and larger jigs worked along deeper structure in 15-25 feet.

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3 anglers found this report useful

Lake San Antonio

Jul 5, 2025

California

Public

Good Bass bite

Trout, Bass, Catfish, Crappie

78°F Slightly Stained

San Antonio is providing a decent summer bite across multiple species. The bass bite has been best early mornings on crankbaits and jerkbaits, although the shallow reaction bite slows as the sun comes up. Midday requires a shift to drop-shot Roboworms and small shad plastics tight to structure or near transition zones. Crappie are hitting the same...

Catfish have been a good option for shore casters soaking cut bait, nightcrawlers, and chicken livers... some big cats have been landed this summer. Trout are rare but still showing on occasion for anglers working spinners or floating baits. Carp are always available on those slow days in the shallows on corn.

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6 anglers found this report useful