The bite at Santa Margarita is hot right now, especially for bass holding in 15–20 feet. Finesse rigs like Senkos, drop-shots, and Neko setups are doing the most damage thanks to the ultra-clear water. There’s also some topwater action... frogs up shallow, poppers out in open water... but the better fish are mostly coming deep on finesse. Midday through late afternoon has actually been the best window for higher quality fish, both deep and shallow. 3-pounders have been common, and 5-6 pounders are being caught daily.

Panfish are going strong too. Big schools of bluegill and redear are cruising the shallows, and crappie are sliding deeper into similar zones as the bass.