San Luis Obispo County Fishing Report: 04-07-26

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for April 7th, 2026.

🌤️ Weather Outlook

Morro Bay: Currently 55°F with fog, warming to 72°F today. Light 5mph winds. Foggy conditions early, clearing by afternoon.

Lakes: Morning fog giving way to partly cloudy skies. Highs in the low 70s - perfect fishing weather!

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento 🌟

• Temp: ~68°F, Clear water, 55% capacity
• White Bass: ✅ EXCELLENT! Peak spawn continues - aggressive on surface lures at dawn
• Spotted Bass: GOOD - main lake points, creek channels, and rocky structure
• Best Lures: Bladed jigs (white/silver), spinnerbaits, topwater, drop shots
• Crappie: Good - 2-3 inch swimbaits near submerged timber, big slabs to 2lbs
• Tip: Dawn bite is prime time - hit main lake points at first light!

Santa Margarita Lake

• Temp: Low 50s, crystal clear, near full capacity
• Largemouth Bass: ✅ GOOD! Pre-spawn fish moving shallow
• Best Baits: Senkos, wacky rigs, drop-shots, jerkbaits
• Crappie: Good on primary points - try pink/orange jigs
• Catfish: Excellent on chicken liver and garlic shrimp

Lopez Lake

• Temp: Mid-50s, good visibility
• Bass: Good - shad-colored crankbaits near points
• Panfish: Bluegill and crappie active near marina
• Trout: Improving - Panther Martin spinners near dam

San Antonio Lake

• Temp: ~56°F, ~45% full, slightly stained
• Trout: Fair - chartreuse/rainbow PowerBait near inlet
• Catfish: ✅ Good! 2-5 lbs on garlic shrimp and chicken liver
• Bass: Active - shallow crankbaits in 10-15 ft working well

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🌊 Ocean Fishing: Morro Bay

ROCKFISH SEASON IN FULL SWING! 🎣

• Lingcod: Excellent! Fish up to 30+ lbs being landed
• Rockfish: ✅ RED-HOT! Reds, Coppers, Canary, Vermilion all biting
• Black Perch & Barred Surfperch: Good inshore action
• Water Temp: ~52°F at Ft. McAllister

Current Bait Report:

• 🐟 Mackerel - live bait performing well
• 🐟 Smelt - excellent for surfperch
• 🐟 Squid - classic rockfish bait

Best Tactics:

• Metal jigs tipped with squid
• 7" squid strips for lingcod
• Target 100-150 ft depth with structure
• Early morning low tide best for shore fishing

Shore Fishing:

• Surfperch from piers and beaches - focus on sandy areas with kelp

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📅 This Week's Outlook

• White bass peak at Lake Nacimiento through mid-April
• Warming temps = bass spawn ramping up at all lakes
• Ocean rockfish action expected to stay red-hot
• Perfect weather ahead - get out there!

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🎣 Get Your Gear Ready

Check our Fishing Guide for species info and regulations.

Tight lines, Central Coast! 🎣