Journal • SLO County Fishing Report — July 11, 2026

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SLO County Fishing Report — July 11, 2026

Saturdaygauge Port San Luis / Morro Bay · NOAA 94121104 water bodies

Verdicts by place

  • Morro Bay offshore

    Rough

    7–8 ftNW 20–28 kt

    NW 20-28 kt, Seas 7-9 ft; Rough conditions

  • Lake Nacimiento

    Good

    ~72-75°F75% capacity

    White Bass: Good; Spotted Bass: Good on main lake points, schooling on shad

  • Lopez Lake

    Good

    low 70s°F

    Bass: Good

  • Santa Margarita Lake

    Good

    Mid-60s°F

    Largemouth Bass: Good; Crappie: Good on deep brush in 20-30 ft

Port San Luis / Morro Bay · NOAA 9412110 · ft MLLW · Pacific time

Tides for the day

-2 ft0 ft2 ft4 ft6 ft8 ft12 AM6 AM12 PM6 PM12 AM2:43 AM · -0.7 ft9:30 AM · 3.4 ft1:11 PM · 2.6 ft7:48 PM · 6.6 ft
NOAA high and low tides
2:43 AM low-0.7 ft
9:30 AM high3.4 ft
1:11 PM low2.6 ft
7:48 PM high6.6 ft
range
7.3 ft
minus tide
-0.7 ft
sunrise
5:58 AM
sunset
8:20 PM

Predictions from NOAA Tides & Currents. 14-day calendar →

Bite grid

excellentgoodfairslownoted

SpeciesNacimientoSanta MargaritaLopezMorro Bay
Bassgoodwhite · spottedgoodlargemouthgoodnot reported
Catfishexcellentnot reportednot reportednot reported
Crappie / panfishnot reportedgoodnotedpanfishnot reported
Rockfishnot reportednot reportednot reportedexcellentvermilion · copper · blue
Lingcodnot reportednot reportednot reportedfair
Salmonnot reportednot reportednot reportednoted

By water

from the report
Water
  • Water Level 762.38 ft MSL (+0.03 ft from yesterday)
  • Capacity ~75%
  • Temp ~72-75°F (summer mode)
What's biting
  • White Bass good Early morning shallow bite, then deep
  • Spotted Bass good On main lake points, schooling on shad
  • Catfish excellent Big cats stacking in 20-30 ft
Lures & bait
  • Spinnerbaits
  • crankbaits (shad colors)
  • topwater early

Fish early morning or night — mid-day heat pushes fish deep!

Marine forecast

seaswindas written in the report

  1. Today (Sat)
    seas
    7–9 ft
    wind
    NW 20–28 kt

    Rough conditions

  2. Sunday
    seas
    5–7 ft
    wind
    NW 15–20 kt

    Improving

  3. Mondaylighter
    seas
    4–6 ft
    wind
    NW 10–15 kt

    Good conditions returning

Full report3 min read ›

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for July 11th, 2026.

📊 Lake Levels Update (USGS Data)

LakeLevelChangeCapacity
Lake Nacimiento762.38 ft+0.03 ft~75%
Lopez Lake——~52,500 AF
Santa Margarita Lake———

Note: Lake levels holding steady with minimal inflow. Summer evaporation balancing inflow.

🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento 🌟

  • Water Level: 762.38 ft MSL (+0.03 ft from yesterday)
  • Capacity: ~75%
  • Temp: ~72-75°F (summer mode)
  • White Bass: ✅ GOOD — early morning shallow bite, then deep
  • Spotted Bass: Good 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

  • Status: Near full capacity
  • Temp: Mid-60s to low 70s
  • 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
  • Tip: Focus on deep water during hot summer days!

Lopez Lake

  • Status: Normal operations
  • 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

🌊 Ocean Fishing: Morro Bay

⛔ SMALL CRAFT ADVISORIES LIKELY IN EFFECT

Current Conditions (NOAA/NDBC)

  • Wind: NW 20-28 kt (strong), gusts to 34 kt
  • Wave Height: 7-8 ft at buoy 46028 (Morro Bay area)
  • Wave Period: 6-8 seconds (short period, choppy)
  • Water Temp: 59°F (15.1°C) at Buoy 46028
  • Visibility: Good
  • Air Temp: 54-57°F (12-14°C)

This Week's Outlook

Today (Sat): NW 20-28 kt, Seas 7-9 ft — Rough conditions Sunday: NW 15-20 kt, Seas 5-7 ft — Improving Monday: NW 10-15 kt, Seas 4-6 ft — Good conditions returning

Fishing Report

Ocean conditions are rough today — best to stick to lake fishing or wait until Sunday:

  • Lingcod: Fair — waiting for improved conditions
  • Rockfish: Good when able to get out
  • Vermilion Rockfish: Strong showing in 100-150 ft
  • Copper Rockfish: Good numbers
  • Blue Rockfish: Abundant!
  • Salmon: Preparing for 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

💡 Pro Tip: Wait until Sunday-Monday when winds ease before heading out on the boat!

🌙 Solunar Times (July 11-14)

DateMajor 1Minor 1Major 2Minor 2
Sat 117:45 AM1:45 PM8:15 PM2:00 AM
Sun 128:30 AM2:30 PM9:00 PM2:45 AM
Mon 139:15 AM3:15 PM9:45 PM3:30 AM
Tue 1410:00 AM4:00 PM10:30 PM4:15 AM

Best fishing: Early morning (7-9 AM) and evening (8-10 PM) windows

📅 What to Expect This Weekend

  • Saturday: Rough ocean conditions, small craft advisories — best for lake fishing
  • Sunday-Monday: Improved ocean conditions, great for rockfishing & lingcod
  • Bass fishing transitions to early morning/evening patterns
  • Catfish action peaks at Lake Nacimiento
  • Salmon season approaching — prepare for potential opener!

🎣 Get Your Gear Ready

Check our Fishing Guide for species info and regulations.

⚠️ Safety Note: Small craft advisories in effect today. Check conditions before heading out on the water!

Tight lines, Central Coast! 🎣

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