Central Coast Fishing Report — April 30, 2026

Crappie limits at Lake Isabella, steady trout plants at Lopez and lingcod out of Morro Bay.

Lake Isabella

Water levels have climbed to 64% of capacity and continue rising, which helps both boat and shore anglers. The higher water has opened more ramps, and fishing for every species has been excellent.

Crappie have been the best bite. Anglers have reported limits over the past two weeks on small minnows and crappie jigs in the creek channels and around submerged structure. Best bite has been early morning and late afternoon.

Bass are moving into shallower water as temperatures climb. Green pumpkin and watermelon plastics fished slowly around docks and weed edges are producing solid catches.

Catfish are starting to turn on. Chicken liver and cut baits are working around deep water channels, especially at dusk.

Pro tip: Park at Paradise Cove or Boulder Gulch for easy bank access. The auxiliary dam zone also offers good shore fishing with less competition.

Lopez Lake

Trout stocking has been steady through April. Recent plants have included rainbow trout at the upper rec area and near the swim beach. Troll inline flutters or small rapalas behind a boat, or cast spawn bags and powerbait from shore.

Trout are still holding in deeper pockets at midday but moving shallower in the mornings and evenings.

Current conditions: 515.4 ft, 43,000 AF (87% of capacity) — CDEC LOP, Apr 30. Boat ramps open. Kayak and small watercraft access good.

Morro Bay Ocean Fishing

Lingcod season is in full swing. The boats fish the rock piles and reefs from Point Buchon to Point San Simeon.

Rockfish (aka "rock cod") fishing has been excellent since the April 1 boat opener.

• Morro Bay Landing (Apr 29): Avenger, 3/4 day, 25 anglers: 176 rockfish, 20 red rockfish, 12 cabezon, 8 lingcod.

Counts: SportfishingReport.com dock totals, Apr 29.

• Today: NW 10-20 kt, gusts 25, seas 6-8 ft
• Tonight: NW 15-25 kt, seas 6-9 ft

A small craft advisory is in effect from 3 PM this afternoon through this evening, so morning trips are the better bet.

NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard, zone PZZ645 (Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal), issued 854 AM PDT Thu Apr 30 2026.

Santa Margarita Lake

Trout fishing has been fair to good with recent plants. Small spoons, or roe bags under a bobber.

The boat ramp is usable but getting shallower. Kayaks have plenty of access. Bass fishing is picking up with the warming water; flip creature crafts into emerging weed beds.

What's Coming

• Trout plants: Expected next week at Lopez Lake and Santa Margarita Lake

General Conditions

Water	Temp	Level	Rating
Lake Isabella	—	64%	Excellent
Lopez Lake	—	87% (CDEC LOP)	Good
Santa Margarita	—	—	Fair
Morro Bay	55-59°F (NDBC 46215)	—	Excellent

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Check current regulations at wildlife.ca.gov before you go, since bag limits and seasonal closures change.