Central Coast Fishing Report — October 4, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for October 4th, 2026.

🌤️ Conditions Overview

A gentle to moderate NW breeze and moderate wave heights will prevail for the next several days. Ocean conditions have calmed significantly from last week's advisory conditions, making for improved fishing opportunities both offshore and along the coast. Water temperatures remain warm for this time of year, keeping fish active throughout the day.

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟢 Great Water Level: ~745 ft MSL (seasonal typical level) Water Temp: 66-70°F (fall turnover beginning)

Bass fishing remains excellent! With fall approaching, fish are feeding aggressively in preparation for winter. The warm October days keep the water temperature ideal for active bass. Look for fish staging near points and creek channels where shad are congregating.

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Largemouth bass - Great on topwater lures at dawn/dusk
• 🐠 White bass - Active near shad schools
• 🦐 Crappie - Good near submerged structure

Best Bets:

• Main lake points in 15-25 ft
• Las Tables area and up the narrows
• Floating baitfish schools in the mornings

Tips: Fall is prime time for big bass! Focus on early morning topwater action and switch to deeper presentations as the sun climbs. Crawdad patterns remain effective throughout the day.

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Lopez Lake

Status: 🟢 Good Water Level: ~82% capacity (seasonal typical) Water Temp: 63-68°F (cooling with fall)

Bass fishing is solid with good action on shad rap, spinnerbaits, and crawdad patterns. Most catches coming from shallow water pockets and coves near structure. The lake is in great shape for fall fishing.

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Largemouth bass - Good on shad patterns
• 🐠 Spotted bass - Active near creek channels

Best Bets:

• Shallow pockets and coves
• Points with creek channel access
• Docks and pier areas

Tips: Fish are feeding heavily on shad. Try small swimbaits and spinnerbaits in chrome/silver!

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Santa Margarita Lake

Status: 🟡 Fair Water Temp: 62-66°F (cooling)

Bass fair but holding deep during midday as water cools. Crappie and catfish picking up at dusk and dawn near submerged timber. Good lake levels for fall.

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Largemouth bass - Deep water structure
• 🐠 Crappie - Good near brush piles at dusk
• 🐡 Catfish - Good on cut bait at night

Best Bets:

• Deep water structure at dawn/dusk
• Crappie near brush piles
• Catfish on cut bait at night

Tips: Focus on early morning and evening hours when water is warmest.

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🌊 Ocean Fishing - Morro Bay

Status: 🟢 Good Conditions: Calm morning winds, moderate afternoon breeze Water Temp: 60-63°F (cooling) Wave Height: 4-5 ft (moderate)

Great conditions for offshore fishing! The small craft advisories have expired and conditions are much calmer than last week. A gentle to moderate NW breeze will prevail, making for comfortable fishing both inshore and offshore.

Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Pt Conception):

• Wind: NW 5-10 kt
• Wave Height: 4-5 ft
• Wave Period: 8 seconds (moderate swell)
• Water Temp: 60-63°F (15-17°C)

NOAA Marine Forecast - Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas:

• Today: NW wind 5-10 kt, seas around 4 ft
• Tonight: NW wind 5-10 kt, seas 4-5 ft
• Monday: NW wind 10-15 kt, seas 4-5 ft

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Rockfish - Good action over rocky structure (60-150 ft)
• 🐡 Lingcod - Strong action, fish to 10+ lbs reported
• 🦈 Halibut - Good prospects along the beaches and at Cayucos Pier
• 🐠 Salmon - Late season opportunities offshore

Charter Report - Morro Bay Landing:

"Conditions have improved dramatically! Rockfish limits coming easy with calm seas. Lingcod are hitting big swimbaits hard - we've seen some real tanks this week. Recommend morning trips for best weather."

Best Bets:

• Bottom fishing over rocky structure (60-150 ft)
• Drift fishing along the drop-offs
• Cayucos Pier for halibut and surf perch

Tips: Morning departures offer the calmest conditions before the NW wind picks up in the afternoon. Fresh bait (sardines, anchovies) is producing well.

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🌊 Tide Schedule - Morro Bay (October 4)

Note: Tide times approximate based on NOAA predictions

Time	Tide	Height
5:18 AM	Low	~1.2 ft
11:42 AM	High	~4.8 ft
5:54 PM	Low	~1.0 ft
11:48 PM	High	~5.2 ft

Best Tide: The morning high tide around 11:30 AM is ideal for rockfish and lingcod. The evening high tide around midnight provides good night fishing opportunities.

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🌙 Solunar Forecast - October 4

Period	Time	Activity
Minor	5:45 AM - 7:45 AM	🟡 Good
Major	12:15 PM - 2:15 PM	🟢 Prime
Minor	6:42 PM - 8:42 PM	🟡 Good
Major	1:08 AM - 3:08 AM	🟡 Good

Best Times: The major feeding period around noon-2 PM is prime for active fishing! Early morning (5:30-7:30 AM) also offering good action.

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📅 Extended Forecast

Monday: Sunny, NW winds 10-15 kt - Good conditions Tuesday: Continuing moderate winds - Typical fall weather Wednesday: Light winds - Excellent fishing conditions expected Thursday: Building swell - Check forecast before heading out

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🎣 Gear Recommendations

Lake:

• Topwater lures (frog, popper) for early morning
• Shad rap in chrome/silver
• Crawdad jigs (4-6") for midday
• Dropshot rigs for deep water

Ocean:

• Rockfish leader (20-30 lb)
• Lingcod tackle (40-60 lb)
• Fresh bait (sardines, anchovies)
• Surf gear for pier fishing

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📬 Stay Connected

Got a hot report? Send your photos and tips to tips@calcoasttides.com — we love featuring local catches!

See you on the water! 🎣

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Report generated for SLO County waters. Always check CDFW regulations before heading out. Ocean data courtesy of NOAA NDBC and NOAA Marine Forecast. Lake level data estimated based on seasonal patterns.