North County Lakes Fishing Report — June 24, 2026

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Lake Nacimiento

Current level: 764.6 ft, 205,083 AF (54% of capacity), CDEC NCM, Jun 24.

Nacimiento is fishing well right now. Spotted bass are the highlight. They are pushing shad schools to the surface and hammering topwater lures throughout the lake. If you're heading out this week, start with a walk-the-dog style bait or a Whopper Plopper early in the morning before the wind picks up. Poppers are also working around points and along rocky banks.

When the topwater bite dies off mid-morning, move to finesse presentations. Drop-shot rigs and Neko rigs in 5–20 feet are consistent producers, especially in baitfish, orange crusher, and green pumpkin colors. Hula grubs and small swimbaits dragged along the bottom are solid alternatives if the fish seem sluggish.

For larger bass, football jigs (¾ oz, black and blue) fished deliberately over rocky structure are picking up quality fish. Bigger bass have been holding onto the jig, so don't set the hook on the first tick.

Crappie are biting reliably near docks, over submerged brush piles, and around rocky points. Live minnows are the most consistent presentation; small jigs (1/16–1/8 oz) in chartreuse or white are a close second. This is a good option if the bass bite slows in the middle of the day.

Catfish are active after dark and through the morning hours. Cut mackerel, sardines, and chicken liver are all producing. Fish them on the bottom in coves with soft substrate.

What to Bring to Nacimiento

• Topwater: Whopper Plopper (110 or 130), walking baits, poppers
• Finesse: Drop-shot with 4" finesse worm, Neko rig, hula grub
• Power: ¾ oz football jig, black/blue or green pumpkin
• Crappie: 1/16 oz tube jig, live minnows under a slip float
• Catfish: Cut mackerel or sardine on a 2/0–4/0 circle hook

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Lake San Antonio

There is no fresh report from Lake San Antonio this week. In summer the bass bite there is best early (first light to about 9 AM) on reaction baits like crankbaits and jerkbaits over submerged structure along the main lake points. Once the sun is up and the water warms, fish move deep and the bite slows considerably. Topwater can be effective in low-light conditions near the backs of coves.

San Antonio is also worth fishing for catfish through the summer, especially on warm evenings in calm coves.

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Coastal Conditions

The afternoon and evening high tide at 5.4 ft makes tonight a quality surf session for Central Coast anglers. Focus on the sandy stretches north of Morro Rock and the Cayucos Pier area during the incoming push (4–7 PM window). Halibut and barred surfperch are the primary targets in the surf; larger stripers tend to move through the Morro Bay estuary channel on bigger tides like tonight's.

Tide data from NOAA station 9412110 (Port San Luis). Lake notes from recent lake reports.