SLO County Fishing Report — October 1, 2026

Thursday brings improved ocean conditions as the fall storm system continues to exit the region. Small craft advisories have expired and conditions are much better than yesterday. Expect moderate seas with light-moderate northwesterly winds - great for both nearshore and offshore fishing! Lake fishing remains excellent with stable water levels and comfortable fall temperatures!

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento ⭐

• Storage: ~150,000 acre-ft (estimated ~40% capacity)
• Water Level: ~744 ft MSL (slightly declining, typical late-summer drawdown)
• Water Temp: ~68-72°F (surface), cooler deep
• Conditions: Typical late-summer level, stable
• Bass: ⭐ Excellent! Topwater action at dawn, deep structure midday
• Catfish: Excellent in 20-35 ft depth
• White Bass: Active near shad schools

💡 Tip: Lake is around 40% capacity - focus on main lake structure and creek channels. Early morning topwater bite is hot! Night fishing also productive as temps cool. Try diving plugs in 15-25 ft during midday.

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Lopez Lake (~125% of Normal)

• Storage: ~47,000 acre-ft (125% of normal)
• Water Temp: ~64-68°F
• Conditions: Excellent clarity, well above normal water levels
• Bass: Good - target deeper structure during midday heat
• Catfish: Excellent in evening using chicken liver or cut bait
• Trout: Slow - water warming, fish holding deeper

💡 Tip: All launch ramps accessible at current levels. Best fishing during low-light hours. Evening catfish bite is excellent right now! Try anchored bottom fishing in 25-35 ft.

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Lake Nacimiento vs Yesterday

Metric	Today	Yesterday	Trend
Level	~744 ft	~745 ft	➡️ Slight Drop
Storage	~150,000 ac-ft	~152,000 ac-ft	➡️ Slight Drop
Capacity	~40%	~40%	➡️ Stable

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San Antonio Lake (~142% of Normal)

• Storage: ~260,000 acre-ft (142% of normal!)
• Water Temp: ~64-68°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. Floating debris possible after summer inflow. Night fishing productive! Try cut bait around points after dark.

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Santa Margarita Lake (~100% Capacity)

• Conditions: At full pool, good clarity
• Bass: ⭐ Excellent! Topwater action at dawn
• Trout: Active near inlet areas
• Notes: Lake at capacity - all launch ramps accessible

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🌊 Ocean Fishing: Morro Bay & Offshore

✅ Conditions Improving!

IMPROVED: Ocean conditions have improved significantly from yesterday's Small Craft Advisory. Winds have decreased and seas are settling. Great day for nearshore fishing and decent conditions for offshore trips!

Current Ocean Conditions (Morro Bay Area)

From NDBC Buoy 46011 (Pt Conception):

• Water Temp: 65°F (18.5°C) - from NDBC Buoy 46011
• Wave Height: 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m) - decreasing, averaging ~7 ft
• Wave Period: 8-10 seconds - moderate interval swell
• Swell Direction: NW to WNW (290-315°)
• Wind: NW 5-11 mph (2-5 m/s), gusting to 13 mph - moderate offshore
• Air Temp: ~60°F (16°C)
• Conditions: ✅ Good - Small craft advisory expired, conditions improved significantly

Outlook (NOAA):

• Today (Thu): NW 10-15 kt, seas 6-8 ft - Good conditions
• Tonight: NW 10-15 kt, seas 5-7 ft
• Friday: Variable 5-10 kt, seas 4-6 ft - Excellent conditions!
• Saturday: SW 5-10 kt, seas 3-5 ft - Great weekend fishing!

💡 Recommendation: Conditions are good today! Both nearshore and offshore fishing are viable. Winds will be moderate northwesterly, creating decent fishing conditions. The weekend looks even better with lighter winds and smaller seas. Don't miss the excellent lake fishing while ocean conditions remain fair!

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🌊 Tides - Morro Bay (NOAA Station 9412110)

Based on NOAA predictions for October 1, 2026:

Tide	Time (PDT)	Height
Low	~5:42 AM	1.6 ft
High	~11:54 AM	5.5 ft
Low	~6:24 PM	0.6 ft

Tide Range: ~4.9 ft - Moderate tidal movement, good for structure fishing

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🌙 Solunar Times (October 1, 2026)

Based on lunar data (Last Quarter - 38% illumination):

Period	Time (PDT)
Minor	5:45 AM - 7:45 AM
Major	11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Minor	6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Major	12:00 AM - 2:00 AM

Best Fishing Windows:

• Early Morning (5:45 - 7:45 AM) ⭐
• Midday (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM)
• Evening (6:00 - 8:00 PM)
• Late Night (12:00 AM - 2:00 AM)

Moon Phase: Last Quarter (38% illumination) - Fish feeding actively during major feeding periods

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📅 Week Outlook

Lakes

✅ Great conditions for lake fishing! Water levels stable, early morning topwater bites excellent. Night fishing picking up as temperatures cool. All lakes in excellent shape for fall fishing.

Ocean

✅ Good conditions today with NW winds 10-15 kt and seas 6-8 ft. Improving through the weekend - Friday looks excellent (5-10 kt winds, 4-6 ft seas) with Saturday even calmer. Great time for both nearshore and offshore trips!

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📊 Quick Reference

Lake	Capacity/Normal	Temp	Rating
Nacimiento	~40%	68-72°F	⭐ Good
Lopez	125% normal	64-68°F	✅ Good
San Antonio	142% normal	64-68°F	✅ Good
Santa Margarita	~100%	66-70°F	⭐ Good

Ocean (Morro Bay): ✅ Good - Improving conditions, best Friday/Saturday

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Report compiled October 1, 2026. Lake levels estimated based on seasonal patterns and previous readings. Ocean data from NOAA Marine Forecast (FZUS56 KMTR) and NDBC Buoy 46011. Tides from NOAA Station 9412110 via tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov.