Lake Nacimiento
San Luis Obispo County Bass, Carp, Catfish, Crappie
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Lake Nacimiento Bite Meter

1 week ago
White Bass
Good
Bass
Good
Crappie
Good

Lake Nacimiento Fishing Overview

Water Description

If you are looking to catch white bass and do so frequently, Lake Nacimiento is the lake for you. Nacimiento has one of the highest cast-to-fish catch ratios in the state for white bass, though the goal here is the number of fish, not the size. Spanning over 5,000 acres and offering a staggering 165 miles of shoreline, Lake Nacimiento nestles in the coastal foothills of San Luis Obispo. Its intricate arms and tucked-away coves create an ideal environment for warm-water fish species. While Lake Nacimiento is known for its white bass... spotted...

If you are looking to catch white bass and do so frequently, Lake Nacimiento is the lake for you. Nacimiento has one of the highest cast-to-fish catch ratios in the state for white bass, though the goal here is the number of fish, not the size.

Spanning over 5,000 acres and offering a staggering 165 miles of shoreline, Lake Nacimiento nestles in the coastal foothills of San Luis Obispo. Its intricate arms and tucked-away coves create an ideal environment for warm-water fish species.

While Lake Nacimiento is known for its white bass... spotted, smallmouth, and largemouth bass populations are also quite substantial. The bass fishery is solid enough to hold 25+ fishing tournaments a year.

But don't overlook the potential of bottom feeding here. The catfish and carp in Lake Nacimiento have the potential to reach impressive sizes. To maximize your chances, early mornings and late evenings are the prime times to tempt these behemoths.

Species:
White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Carp
Forage / Baitfish:
Shad
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating except houseboats
Regulations:
Quagga Mussel Inspection
Geography:
Max Depth: 200 ft
Surface Area: 5,370 acres
Surface Elevation: 984 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Good White Bass bite
Bass, White Bass, Crappie
67°F Clear

Nacimiento’s bite has been good, especially during windy conditions. Spotted bass are pushing up on rocky points and flats, and they’re eating moving baits with purpose. Bladed jigs are working well... white with a silver blade is a top choice, especially when paired with a trimmed pin-tail trailer to match the forage. No fancy retrieve needed...

Nacimiento’s bite has been good, especially during windy conditions. Spotted bass are pushing up on rocky points and flats, and they’re eating moving baits with purpose. Bladed jigs are working well... white with a silver blade is a top choice, especially when paired with a trimmed pin-tail trailer to match the forage. No fancy retrieve needed… just cover water and let the wind do the work.

Crappie are also loading up around rocky pockets and wind-protected points. Big slabs are crushing 3-inch swimbaits worked slow and steady, keeping the bait just above them.

White bass are mixed in and taking shots at the same bladed jigs in similar areas as the spots... wind-blown banks. Pearl-colored drop shots and mid-depth crankbaits are also picking up fish, especially in calmer mornings.

Reaction baits are dominating when it’s blowing, and the better fish are keyed in on structure with moving water. Slow it down in calm windows, but when the wind picks up, tie on a bladed jig and start casting.

5 anglers found this report useful
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Good Largemouth Bass bite
Bass, White Bass, Catfish
49°F

Bass at Lake Nacimiento are spread across a wide range of depths, from shallow zones around 10-15 feet to deeper structure at 35 feet. The jig bite has been solid, with black and blue ¾ oz football jigs producing well, especially around rocky areas. Bigger bass are holding onto the jigs longer, while smaller ones tend to pick up and drop them...

Bass at Lake Nacimiento are spread across a wide range of depths, from shallow zones around 10-15 feet to deeper structure at 35 feet. The jig bite has been solid, with black and blue ¾ oz football jigs producing well, especially around rocky areas. Bigger bass are holding onto the jigs longer, while smaller ones tend to pick up and drop them quickly. Dropshots and ned rigs are also pulling in fish.

White bass are being caught near shad schools on spoons and spinners. Catfish are still being caught as well.

5 anglers found this report useful
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Other Nearby Reports

Santa Margarita’s bass bite is waking up as water temps ease into the high 50s. Fish are clearly staging for prespawn with tight shallow schools and big bellies. Slowly worked...

Looks like they planted around the 22nd of January. 01/29/2025 at 1 pm. Fish bite was good. My brother and I caught our limit in about an hour and half. Used Power bait green.

Lake Nacimiento Weather

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Lake Nacimiento Map

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