SLO County Fishing Report — April 4, 2026
Saturdaygauge Port San Luis / Morro Bay · NOAA 9412110
There is a newer report: SLO County Fishing Report — November 15, 2026 →
Verdicts by place
Santa Margarita Lake
FairLargemouth good on jerkbaits and drop shots; trout spotty
Lake Nacimiento
GoodLargemouth solid on points and humps in 8-13 ft
Morro Bay & Cayucos surf
GoodSurfperch hitting between Morro Bay and Cayucos
Tides for the day
| 6:25 AM low | -0.0 ft |
|---|---|
| 12:43 PM high | 3.5 ft |
| 5:33 PM low | 2.0 ft |
| 11:49 PM high | 5.1 ft |
- range
- 5.1 ft
- minus tide
- -0.0 ft
- sunrise
- 6:45 AM
- sunset
- 7:27 PM
Predictions from NOAA Tides & Currents. 14-day calendar →
Full report2 min read ›
The bass bite is picking up at Santa Margarita and Nacimiento, and boat rockfish season on the Central Coast reopened April 1.
Lake Fishing
Santa Margarita Lake
Spring has the bass moving. Anglers are reporting good action on largemouth bass with fish ranging from 12-20 feet. Hard jerkbaits and drop shots with Roboworms (bluegill color with chartreuse) are producing well. Some solid catches are coming from secondary mud points and areas with wood cover. Trout fishing has been spotty.
Lake Nacimiento
The largemouth bass fishing remains solid, especially on main lake points and secondary humps. Look for fish in 8-13 feet of water. Lipless crankbaits and spinnerbaits are working well in the mornings.
Other Lakes
- Salinas River: Smallmouth bass action picking up; focus on deeper holes
- Templeton: Stocked with rainbow trout last week — good for beginners
Morro Bay Inshore
- Morro Bay Landing (Apr 3): Endeavor, half day, 31 anglers: 110 rockfish, 14 red rockfish, 7 copper rockfish, 3 lingcod.
- Patriot Sportfishing (Apr 3): Patriot, half day, 39 anglers: 94 rockcod, 10 bocaccio, 6 copper rockfish, 2 lingcod.
- Virg's Landing (Apr 3): Fiesta, 3/4 day, 25 anglers: 111 blue rockfish, 50 yellowtail rockfish, 16 starry rockfish, 2 lingcod.
Counts: SportfishingReport.com dock totals, Apr 3.
- Black Perch and Barred Surfperch: Great nearshore action from piers and beaches. Best in shallow, warm water during the day. Lugworms, Gulp Worms, or Bloodworms are the go-to baits.
- Rockfish: Shore fishing for rockfish is open year-round. Best during low tide near rocks and kelp paddies. Cayucos to Big Sur has consistent action.
- Surf Fishing: Between Morro Bay and Cayucos, surfperch are hitting. Night fishing with synthetic baits can produce striper.
Some piers have temporary closures, so check local regs before heading out. Boat rockfish season reopened April 1 (CDFW).
Forecast & Best Bites
| Day | Conditions | Best Bites |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 4/4 | Partly cloudy, 62°F | Bass (AM), Perch (PM) |
| Sun 4/5 | Sunny, 65°F | Surfperch, Rockfish |
| Mon 4/6 | Sunny, 68°F | Trout, Bass |
Tides: Low tides morning and evening, good for shore fishing.
Moon: Waning gibbous, and night fishing for bass is productive.