San Luis Obispo County Fishing Report: 06-23-26

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your latest fishing report for June 23rd, 2026. Summer fishing season is in full effect! 🎣

🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento 🌟

• Temp: ~82°F, Clear water, 48% capacity
• SUMMER MODE ACTIVE! Fish moving to deeper water during heat
• White Bass: ✅ GOOD — early morning shallow bite, then deep
• Spotted Bass: Excellent on main lake points, schooling on shad
• Best Lures: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits (shad colors), topwater early
• Catfish: ✅ EXCELLENT! Big cats stacking in 20-30 ft
• Tip: Fish early morning or night — mid-day heat pushes fish deep!

Santa Margarita Lake

• Temp: Mid-60s, stained visibility, near full capacity
• Largemouth Bass: ✅ GOOD — fish on deep structure, schooling at dusk
• Best Baits: Deep-diving crankbaits, drop-shots, Texas rigs
• Crappie: Good on deep brush in 20-30 ft
• Catfish: Excellent — chicken liver and garlic shrimp
• Tip: Focus on deep water during summer!

Lopez Lake

• Temp: Warming into low 70s
• Bass: Good — deep crankbaits and drop-shots working
• Panfish: Bluegill and crappie near marina structure
• Tip: Fish the deep pockets and creek channels

San Antonio Lake

• Temp: Mid-60s, ~42% capacity, slightly stained
• Trout: Slow — try PowerBait at dawn near inlet
• Catfish: ✅ Good! Big cats on chicken liver
• Bass: Fair on shallow crankbaits early morning

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🌊 Ocean Fishing: Morro Bay

Summer ocean fishing is heating up! Current conditions:

• Lingcod: Good — up to 25 lbs reported
• Rockfish: Excellent action across all species
• Vermilion Rockfish: Strong showing in 100-150 ft
• Copper Rockfish: Good numbers
• Blue Rockfish: Abundant!

Current Bait Report:

• 🐟 Mackerel active in the bay
• 🐟 Sardines showing up — great for trolling!
• 🐟 Squid — consistent performer

Best Ocean Lures Right Now:

• 7" Squid strips
• 5" Swimbaits (anchovy/sardine colors)
• Deep-diving crankbaits for trolling

Water Temp: ~58-60°F at Ft. McAllister — warming for summer species!

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📅 What to Expect This Week

• Bass fishing transitions to early morning/evening patterns
• Catfish action peaks at Lake Nacimiento
• Ocean fishing excellent for rockfish and lingcod
• Salmon season approaching — prepare for potential opener!

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🎣 Get Your Gear Ready

Check our Fishing Guide for species info and regulations.

Tight lines, Central Coast! 🎣