Lake Nacimiento Fish Report for 5-23-2025
The lake level has been in a slow but steady decline
Lake Nacimiento - Bradley, CA (San Luis Obispo County)

by Chad Burton and Chris Borden
5-23-2025
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The lake level has been in a slow but steady decline, holding at 62% of its storage capacity at the time of reporting. The bite at Nacimiento was phenomenal, with nearly all bass tactics fooling fish. Finesse anglers found biting fish from 2 to 20 feet deep, with the 15-foot zone being the sweet spot. Drop shot, Ned rigs, darter head hula grubs, and other finesse tactics boated plenty of smaller-grade bass. Crankbaits, jerkbaits, and underspins were also very effective. The most exciting way to hook up was on topwater, with Whopper Ploppers, poppers, and walking baits all getting it done. Crappie anglers did very well too; small live minnows, minijigs, and small swimbaits were effective in the 15-foot zone near structure. Catfish responded to cut mackerel, sardines, and dip bait.
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More Reports
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, May 23rd
California Aqueduct: California Aqueduct Report
Castaic Lake: Anglers reported another week of excellent bass fishing
Pyramid Lake, CA: The lake remained full, with water temperatures in the upper range for spawning bass
Lake Isabella: Fishing has been excellent across multiple species
Kern River: Fishing conditions on the Kern River were excellent
Lake Kaweah: Largemouth and spotted bass were active throughout the water column
Lake Success: Bass anglers reported solid action
River Walk Lakes: At River Walk, anglers experienced solid bass action throughout the day
Ming Lake: Anglers reporting excellent action for bigger fish with swimbaits and top water
Buena Vista Lakes: Fishing was strong at Buena Vista Lakes
Hart Park Lake: At Hart Park, a 7-pound bass was reported by one lucky local angler
Cope's Tackle and Rod Shop Reports
for Friday, May 16th
California Aqueduct: The California Aqueduct bite was solid last week
Castaic Lake: Anglers reported another excellent week on the water
Pyramid Lake, CA: Bass fishing was productive this week
Lake Isabella: Anglers reported limit-style fishing for the past few weeks
Kern River: The CDFW continue to stock the Upper Kern and river flows are ideal
Lake Kaweah: Water temperatures were ideal for spring bass action
Lake Success: Bass anglers experienced a solid post-spawn bite
River Walk Lakes: The topwater bite has been improving
Ming Lake: Bass anglers reported good fishing using reaction and finesse baits
Buena Vista Lakes: Anglers reported solid action at Buena Vista Lakes last week
Hart Park Lake: Last week fishing was productive at Hart Park
Lake Nacimiento: Anglers reported strong numbers of spotted bass caught

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