Bluegill are plentyful most anywhere around the shoreline. Drop-offs and the backs of coves are good spots to try. Meal worms and red worms are the most popular baits, although many anglers use little micro jigs, and do quite well. There are channel cats, white cats, and blue cats in Nacimiento. They are one of the most popular attractions durning the summer, for both bank fishermen and boaters.
Good baits are nightcrawlers, cut mackerel, and anchovies.
The backs of the coves are good catfish hunting grounds. They will be found mostly in 8 to 20 feet of water. Leave your bail open or your reel in freespool and let them run a few feet before setting the hook. Night fishing is allowed at Nacimiento and many angler target the catfish at that time. There are lots of big carp in Nacimiento.