SLO County Fishing Report — September 13, 2026

Sunday brings elevated ocean conditions with a Small Craft Advisory in effect through Monday evening. Northwest winds are strengthening, with gale-force gusts possible across the southern coastal waters. The lakes remain in good shape for fishing, though water levels continue their seasonal decline. If you're planning a fishing trip today, lake fishing is your best bet.

---

🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento (~49% Capacity) ⭐

• Storage: ~185,000 acre-ft (49% capacity, full pool = 800 ft MSL)
• Water Level: ~747.8 ft MSL (stable, slight variation daily)
• Water Temp: ~74-78°F (surface), cooler deep
• Conditions: Below normal for date, typical late-summer drawdown
• Bass: ⭐ Good! Topwater action at dawn, deep structure midday
• Catfish: Excellent in 20-35 ft depth
• White Bass: Active near shad schools

💡 Tip: Lake is at 49% capacity - focus on main lake structure and creek channels. Early morning topwater bite best before heat of day. Night fishing picking up as temperatures cool!

---

Lopez Lake (~115% of Normal)

• Storage: ~43,500 acre-ft (115% of normal)
• Water Temp: ~68-72°F
• Conditions: Good clarity, above normal water levels
• 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

💡 Tip: Most launch ramps accessible at current levels. Best fishing during low-light hours. Evening catfish bite is hot right now!

---

Lake Nacimiento vs Yesterday

Metric	Today	Yesterday	Trend
Level	~747.8 ft	747.81 ft	➡️ Stable
Capacity	~49%	~49%	➡️ Stable
Condition	Stable	Stable	➡️ Stable

---

San Antonio Lake (~140% of Normal)

• Storage: ~255,000 acre-ft (140% of normal)
• Water Temp: ~68-72°F
• Bass: Good - focus on deeper structure during midday
• Catfish: Excellent on shrimp and chicken liver
• Trout: Minimal - summer slowdown

💡 Tip: Well above normal - excellent water levels. Watch for floating debris. Night fishing productive!

---

Santa Margarita Lake (~100% Capacity)

• Conditions: At full pool, good clarity
• Bass: ⭐ Good! Topwater action at dawn
• Trout: Active near inlet areas
• Notes: All launch ramps accessible

---

🌊 Ocean Fishing: Morro Bay & Offshore

⚠️ Small Craft Advisory In Effect

A Small Craft Advisory is in effect from this afternoon through Monday evening. Hazardous conditions prevail for small craft, with NW winds strengthening and gale-force gusts possible across the southern inner coastal waters and Monterey Bay.

Current Ocean Conditions (Morro Bay Area)

• Water Temp: 65.5°F (18.6°C) - from NDBC Buoy 46011 (Pt Conception)
• Wave Height: 6-8 ft (1.8-2.5 m) - building to 8-10 ft tonight
• Wave Period: 8-9 seconds - short period chop
• Swell Direction: NW (319-322°) - typical summer swell
• Wind: NW at 20-25 mph (9-11 m/s), gusts up to 29 mph
• Air Temp: ~64°F (18°C)
• Conditions: ⚠️ Small Craft Advisory - use caution

Outlook: NW winds 20-25 kt today through Tuesday, seas 8-10 ft. Advisory continues through Monday evening. Conditions should improve mid-week as winds ease Thursday.

---

🌊 Tides - Morro Bay (NOAA Station 9412110)

Based on NOAA predictions for September 13, 2026:

Tide	Time (PDT)	Height
Low	~6:12 AM	~0.71 ft
High	~12:54 PM	~4.95 ft
Low	~6:42 PM	~0.85 ft

Tide Range: ~4.2 ft - Moderate tidal movement, good for structure fishing

---

🌙 Solunar Times (September 13, 2026)

Based on lunar data (Last Quarter Moon - ~45% illumination):

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

Best Fishing Windows:

• Early Morning (6:00 - 8:00 AM) ⭐
• Midday (12:15 - 2:15 PM)
• Evening (6:30 - 8:30 PM)
• Late Night (12:30 - 2:30 AM)

Moon Phase: Last Quarter (~45% illumination) - Good light penetration, fish actively feeding

---

📅 Week Outlook

Lakes

✅ Great conditions for lake fishing! Water levels stable, early morning topwater bites excellent. Night fishing picking up as temperatures cool. Focus on Lopez and San Antonio for higher water levels.

Ocean

⚠️ Small Craft Advisory through Monday evening. Postpone ocean trips or exercise extreme caution. Conditions improve mid-week with lighter winds expected Thursday.

---

📊 Quick Reference

Lake	Capacity/Normal	Temp	Rating
Nacimiento	~49%	74-78°F	⭐ Good
Lopez	115% normal	68-72°F	✅ Good
San Antonio	140% normal	68-72°F	✅ Good
Santa Margarita	~100%	72-76°F	⭐ Good

Ocean (Morro Bay): ⚠️ Caution - Small Craft Advisory, seas 8-10 ft

---

Report compiled September 13, 2026. Lake levels from US Lakes Info and historical data. Ocean data from NOAA Marine Forecast (FZUS56 KMTR) and NDBC Buoy 46011. Tides from NOAA Station 9412110.