The prized fish at Camp Roberts has to be the holdover rainbow trout that have been in the system for a year or two. These beautifully colored fish have dark olive backs with sides that look as if they'd been painted with pink watercolors.
My favorite flies for these exquisite fish stem from the Adams family, which has been catching trout across the country since before the post was born. There are countless variations and adaptations that work at this fishery, although my go-to fly is the Parachute Adams. I'm particularly fond of a pink-topped hi-viz spin-off with a Hare's Ear or beadhead nymph of some sort dangling a couple feet below depending on flow levels.
Nacimiento rainbows, like many Golden State river trout, prefer cooler temperatures and a healthy supply of oxygen and food. Take time to survey the rapids, runs, riffles and pools. Bigger fish seem to hide out under shaded banks or near structure such as rocks, vegetation, tree roots and logs. Protective pockets are sure to hold hearty survivors that have been turning up their snouts at PowerBait and salmon eggs all season.
Additional species
Looking for something besides trout? Nacimiento River also has a large population of carp, squawfish, suckers and an occasional white bass or striper hybrid.
In fact, Lake Nacimiento, which feeds the river, has been known to carry some of the biggest carp in the state. In 1968, Lee Bryant caught a state-record 52-pounder at Lake Nacimiento. The record still stands today.
You probably won't be pulling any state records from the river, but whether you're in search of spirited rainbows or feisty carp, Camp Roberts has a little something for everyone. Not bad for an old military post.
