San Luis Obispo County Fishing Report: 06-29-26
San Luis Obispo County Fishing Report: 06-29-26
Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your latest fishing report for June 29th, 2026. Summer conditions are here with a small craft advisory on the coast — read before you head out! 🎣
🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports
Lake Nacimiento 🌟
- Level: 763.95 ft (above full pool), ~50% capacity 📉
- Temp: ~82-84°F (warming!), Clear water
- Trend: Down from 67-68% last year — managed releases affecting levels
- SUMMER MODE ACTIVE! Fish moving to deeper water during heat of day
- White Bass: ✅ GOOD — early morning shallow bite, then deep by mid-morning
- Spotted Bass: Excellent on main lake points, schooling on shad
- Best Lures: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits (shad colors), topwater early (dawn)
- Catfish: ✅ EXCELLENT! Big cats stacking in 20-30 ft, especially at night
- Tip: Fish early morning (before 8am) or night — mid-day heat pushes fish deep!
- Launch: Some ramps may have limited access due to lower water — check before launching
Santa Margarita Lake
- Level: ~101.2% capacity (OVER FULL!) ✅✅
- Temp: Mid-60s to low 70s, stained visibility
- Status: Fullest major reservoir in SLO County!
- 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: Best water access currently — lake is overflowing slightly!
Lopez Lake
- Level: ~82.9% capacity (down from 93-94% last year)
- Temp: Warming into low 70s
- Capacity: 49,476 AF max
- 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
- Level: ~56% capacity (down from 72% last year)
- Temp: Mid-60s
- Status: Managed releases for Salinas Valley groundwater recharge
- Trout: Slow — try PowerBait at dawn near inlet
- Catfish: ✅ Good! Big cats on chicken liver
- Bass: Fair on shallow crankbaits early morning
- Recreation: Popular for tule elk viewing — bring camera!
🌊 Ocean Fishing: Morro Bay
⚠️ SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT ⚠️
Current conditions from NOAA and NDBC Buoy 46011 (Pt. Conception):
Weather & Sea Conditions
| Condition | Value | Trend | |-----------|-------|-------| | Wind | NW 15-25 kt (gusts to 30 kt) | Gale warning outer waters | | Waves | 7-10 ft inner / 12-15 ft outer | Rough | | Wave Period | 9-11 seconds | Long period swell | | Water Temp | ~60°F (15.6°C) | Warming | | Air Temp | ~57°F (14°C) | Cool | | Barometer | 1012 hPa | Stable |
Forecast Outlook
- Today-Tue: Small craft advisory, rough seas
- Wed-Fri: Winds ease to 15-20 kt, seas subside to 6-9 ft
- Weekend: Improved conditions — best fishing window!
Ocean Fishing Report
- Lingcod: Good — up to 25 lbs reported, fishing deep structure
- Rockfish: Excellent action across all species
- Vermilion Rockfish: Strong showing in 100-150 ft
- Copper Rockfish: Good numbers
- Blue Rockfish: Abundant!
- Salmon: Prepare for upcoming season!
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
Safety Tip: Check the marine forecast before heading out. Small craft advisory means small vessels should stay in port or near shelter!
🌊 Morro Bay Tides (June 29)
| Time | Type | Height | |------|------|--------| | 6:01 AM | Low | -0.35 m (-1.1 ft) | | 1:14 PM | High | 2.63 m (8.6 ft) | | 4:13 PM | Low | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) | | 10:46 PM | High | 4.94 m (16.2 ft) |
Major Tides: Early morning low at 6 AM, evening high at 10:46 PM — good evening window!
Solunar Feeding Times (June 29):
- Major: ~5:30 AM & ~6:00 PM
- Minor: ~11:30 AM & ~12:00 AM (midnight)
📅 Week Outlook
- Mon-Wed: Small craft advisory — best to stay in port or fish sheltered areas
- Thu-Fri: Conditions improve — excellent ocean fishing window
- Weekend: Looking good for both lake and ocean trips!
- Lake Levels: Nacimiento and San Antonio down — check ramps before launching
- Best Access: Santa Margarita Lake is overflowing — best boat launch options
🎣 Get Your Gear Ready
Check our Fishing Guide for species info and regulations.
Tight lines, Central Coast! 🎣