SLO County Fishing Report — August 5, 2026

Calmer ocean conditions return after a breezy couple of days. Lakes remain in great shape for summer fishing. Here's your detailed breakdown.

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Santa Margarita Lake ⭐ (101.2% Capacity - FULL)

The fullest reservoir in SLO County continues to provide excellent fishing:

• Water Temp: ~72-75°F (warm surface temps)
• Conditions: Full pool, clear water
• Bass: Excellent! Topwater action at dawn, deep structure midday
• Best Baits: Poppers, walk-the-dog lures early; swim jigs midday
• Trout: Stocked fish active near inlet areas

💡 Tip: With the lake at full capacity, all launch ramps are accessible. Focus on main lake points at first light.

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Lopez Lake (82.9% Capacity)

• Water Temp: ~70-74°F
• Conditions: Good clarity
• Bass: Good - target deeper structure as fish escape midday heat
• Catfish: Excellent in evening using chicken liver or cut bait
• Trout: Slow - water warming, fish holding deeper

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Lake Nacimiento (50% Capacity)

• Water Level: ~758 ft range
• Water Temp: ~72-78°F (warm, best early/late)
• Bass: Good - focus on shaded coves and creek arms
• Catfish: Excellent in 20-30 ft depth
• White Bass: Active near shad schools

⚠️ Note: Some launch ramps may have limited access due to lower water. Check conditions before heading out.

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San Antonio Lake (56% Capacity)

• Water Temp: ~70-74°F
• Bass: Fair - fish holding in deeper water during heat of day
• Catfish: Good action on shrimp and chicken liver
• Trout: Minimal - summer slowdown expected

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🌊 Ocean Fishing: Morro Bay & Offshore

✅ Calm Conditions - Great for Offshore Trips

A stationary weak low pressure system is bringing light winds and manageable seas today. Excellent conditions for offshore rockfishing and lingcod trips.

Current Conditions (Buoy 46011 - Point Conception)

Metric	Value
Wind	NNW 4-7 mph (2-3 m/s), gusts to 7 mph
Wave Height	4-5 ft (1.3-1.5 m)
Wave Period	9-10 seconds
Water Temp	60.4°F (15.8°C)
Air Temp	58°F (14.5°C)

NOAA Marine Forecast (Monterey Bay Area)

Today (Wednesday):

• Wind: SW 5-10 kt, veering S late
• Seas: 4-5 ft (NW 5 ft @ 9 sec, S 2 ft @ 14 sec)
• Visibility: Patchy smoke possible afternoon

Tonight:

• Wind: Light SW <5 kt, backing to SE
• Seas: 3-4 ft
• Note: Patchy dense fog possible

Thursday:

• Wind: Light E, backing to NW afternoon
• Seas: 3-4 ft
• Outlook: Excellent conditions

Weekend Outlook:

• Friday: NW 10-15 kt, seas 4-5 ft
• Saturday: NW 15-20 kt, seas 5-8 ft - Advisory possible
• Sunday: NW 20-25 kt, seas 9-11 ft - Caution

Fishing Notes

✅ Today-Thursday: Excellent conditions for offshore trips ⚠️ Weekend: Increasing winds and seas - check before heading out

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🌙 Solunar Times (August 5, 2026)

Period	Time (PDT)
Major	5:45 AM - 7:45 AM
Minor	12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Major	6:15 PM - 8:15 PM
Minor	12:30 AM - 2:30 AM

Best Fishing Windows:

• Early morning (5:45-7:45 AM) ⭐
• Evening (6:15-8:15 PM)

Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent - Moderate activity expected

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📅 Week Ahead Outlook

Lakes

✅ Good conditions all week. Early morning topwater bites best before heat.

Ocean

✅ Today-Thursday: Excellent conditions ⚠️ Friday-Sunday: Increasing winds - plan accordingly

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📊 Quick Reference

Lake	Capacity	Temp	Rating
Santa Margarita	101%	72-75°F	⭐ Excellent
Lopez	83%	70-74°F	✅ Good
Nacimiento	50%	72-78°F	✅ Good
San Antonio	56%	70-74°F	⚠️ Fair

Ocean (Morro Bay): ✅ Excellent - Calm seas, great visibility

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Report compiled August 5, 2026. Lake levels courtesy of SLO County Water District & historical data. Ocean data from NDBC Buoy 46011 and NOAA Marine Forecast FZUS56 KMTR.