Lake Info
Essential information about Lake Nacimiento — reservoir levels, water conditions, and everything you need to know for your time on the water.
Reservoir Data
Access the latest weekly reservoir data reports from Monterey County Water Resources Agency. These documents provide current lake levels, inflow/outflow data, and storage capacity information.
About the lake.
Water Sports
Lake Nacimiento is one of the few California lakes that allows all types of water sports — wakeboarding, waterskiing, jet skiing, tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
Fishing
The lake is renowned for white bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Fishing is permitted year-round with a valid California fishing license.
Climate
Located in the warm inland valleys of California's Central Coast. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90-105°F, making the lake the perfect escape. Mild winters with occasional rain.
Geography
Lake Nacimiento is a reservoir formed by the Nacimiento Dam on the Nacimiento River, a tributary of the Salinas River. Located in the Santa Lucia Range foothills of Monterey County.
Boating Rules
All watercraft must comply with California boating safety regulations. Personal watercraft (jet skis) are permitted. No speed limit on the main body of the lake, but no-wake zones are enforced near shores and marinas.
Peak Season
The lake is busiest from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Oak Shores residents enjoy year-round access, with spring and fall offering ideal conditions for fishing and quiet lake days.
Life is better
on the lake.
Join 636 families who call Oak Shores home — a premier private lakefront community on the stunning shores of Lake Nacimiento.