Lake Nacimiento
San Luis Obispo County Bass, Carp, Catfish, Crappie
70 Share

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
Hot Spotted Bass bite
Bass, Crappie
66°F Clear

The bass bite at Nacimiento is flat out on fire right now. Water temps have climbed into the mid-to-high 60s, and the fish have responded with extreme feeding behavior. Spotted and white bass are piling up in the back of coves, with anglers pulling 20-30 fish like it's nothing. Small swimbaits, drop shots, chatterbaits... pick your favorite... it's...

The bass bite at Nacimiento is flat out on fire right now. Water temps have climbed into the mid-to-high 60s, and the fish have responded with extreme feeding behavior. Spotted and white bass are piling up in the back of coves, with anglers pulling 20-30 fish like it's nothing. Small swimbaits, drop shots, chatterbaits... pick your favorite... it's all getting eaten all day long.

Largemouth are starting to move up to nest, and big females are starting to show themselves shallow. A 10-pounder was reportedly pulled off a bed just last week. Crappie are a little more hit-or-miss currently, but the schools are definitely out there.

3 anglers found this report useful
Share
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
Share

Nearby Reports

Santa Margarita is full and water temps are sitting at an ideal 69 degrees. Bass action has been excellent despite the post-spawn transition... fish are still stacked in the...

Fellas, Went to Whale Rock for a couple of hours after work yesterday. I think were definitely in the post spawn let down as fishing was extremely tough. What didn't work...

Lake Nacimiento Weather

Loading Weather...
70 Share

Nearby Lakes & Rivers

57 Followers
Last report: 5 months ago
Trout stocking: 4 months ago
67 Followers
Last report: 1 year ago
Trout stocking: 3 months ago
Flyfisherman background image

Join FishCaddy Free!

Get local fishing updates & receive our weekly NorCal or SoCal digest.

Sign Up