San Luis Obispo County Fishing Report: 07-07-26
San Luis Obispo County Fishing Report: 07-07-26
Happy Tuesday, Central Coast anglers! 🎣 Here's your fishing report for July 7th, 2026.
🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports
Lake Nacimiento 🌟
- Temp: ~82-86°F, Clear water, ~73% capacity (elevation ~765 ft)
- Note: Lake below average for this date - storage about 10% of historical normal
- White Bass: ✅ GOOD — early morning shallow bite before heat pushes fish deep
- Spotted Bass: Excellent on main lake points, schooling on shad
- Best Lures: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits (shad colors), topwater early AM
- Catfish: ✅ EXCELLENT! Big cats stacking in 20-30 ft, night fishing hot
- Tip: Fish dawn (5:30-8 AM) or dusk/night — mid-day heat pushes fish deep!
Santa Margarita Lake
- Temp: Low-mid 70s, slightly stained, ~100% capacity (overflowing!)
- Largemouth Bass: ✅ GOOD — fish 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
Lopez Lake
- Temp: Low-mid 70s, warming, 92% capacity (48,200 acre-ft)
- Bass: Good — deep crankbaits and drop-shots working
- Panfish: Bluegill and crappie near marina structure
San Antonio Lake
- Temp: Mid 60s, ~55% 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
🌊 Ocean Fishing: Morro Bay
Current Conditions (Pt. Conception Buoy 46011 - July 7, 12:30 PM):
- Water Temp: 60°F (15.6°C) ⬆️ UP from weekend
- Air Temp: 59°F (14.7°C)
- Wind: NW 320° at 18 mph (8 m/s), gusts to 22 mph (10 m/s)
- Wave Height: 5.2 ft (1.6m)
- Wave Period: 12-19 seconds (long period swell!)
- Visibility: Good
NOAA Marine Forecast - Central Coast (July 7):
- Today: NW wind 15-20 kt, seas 6-8 ft. Small Craft Advisory in effect.
- Tonight: NW wind 15-20 kt, seas 6-8 ft.
- Wednesday: ⚠️ NW wind 20-25 kt, seas 7-8 ft.
- Wednesday Night-Thursday: ⚠️ NW 20-25 kt, seas 8-11 ft!
Ocean Report:
- 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
🌊 Morro Bay Tides (July 7)
High Tides:
- 4:12 AM (3.3 ft)
- 5:03 PM (5.1 ft)
Low Tides:
- 10:42 AM (1.4 ft)
- 11:12 PM (0.8 ft)
Plan your tide fishing around these times!
Solunar Times (July 7-8)
Major Feeding Periods:
- 5:30 AM - 7:30 AM
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Minor Feeding Periods:
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- 11:30 PM - 1:30 AM
Plan your trips around these times for best results!
🎣 Weekly Outlook
Tuesday (7/7):
- Small Craft Advisory in effect
- Choppy seas with NW winds 15-20 kt
- Ocean fishing possible but for experienced anglers only
Wednesday-Thursday:
- ⚠️ WARNING: Strong winds (20-25 knots) expected
- Sea conditions will be rough - 8-11 ft waves
- Best to stay in port or fish protected waters/lakes
Friday-Saturday:
- Winds should decrease to 15-20 kt
- Better ocean conditions expected
🎣 Get Your Gear Ready
Check our Fishing Guide for species info and regulations.
Tips for This Week:
- Focus on lake fishing Tuesday-Wednesday due to ocean conditions
- Fish early morning before winds pick up
- Target deep structure as lakes warm
- Night catfish fishing excellent at all lakes
Tight lines, Central Coast! 🎣