SLO County Fishing Report — July 15, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for July 15th, 2026.

📊 Lake Levels Update

Lake	Level	Change	Capacity
Lake Nacimiento	~762 ft	Stable	~75%
Lopez Lake	Normal ops	—	~52,500 AF
Santa Margarita Lake	Full	—	~95%+

Note: Summer evaporation patterns active. Nacimiento inflow holding around 250-300 cfs. Focus on early morning or deep water structure during midday heat.

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento 🌟

• Water Level: ~762 ft MSL (stable)
• Capacity: ~75%
• Temp: 72-76°F (summer thermal)
• White Bass: ✅ GOOD — early AM shallow bite, then deep
• Spotted Bass: Good on main lake points, chasing shad
• Best Lures: Spinnerbaits, crankbaits (shad colors), topwater early AM
• Catfish: ✅ EXCELLENT! Big cats in 20-30 ft, especially night fishing
• Tip: Fish 6-9 AM or after dark — midday heat pushes fish deep!

Santa Margarita Lake

• Status: Near full capacity
• Temp: Mid-60s to low 70s
• Largemouth Bass: ✅ GOOD — deep structure, dusk schools
• Best Baits: Deep-diving crankbaits, drop-shots, Texas rigs
• Crappie: Good on deep brush in 20-30 ft
• Tip: Target deep water during hot summer days, dawn/dusk for surface activity!

Lopez Lake

• Status: Normal summer operations
• Temp: Low 70s
• Bass: Good — deep crankbaits and drop-shots on points
• Panfish: Bluegill and crappie near marina structure
• Tip: Focus on creek channels and deep pockets

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🌊 Ocean Fishing: Morro Bay

⛔ SMALL CRAFT ADVISORIES IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY

Current Conditions (NOAA/NDBC Buoy 46011)

• Wind: NW 15-25 kt (strong breezes)
• Wave Height: 6-8 ft (outer waters 7-9 ft)
• Water Temp: 58°F (14.4°C) at Buoy 46011
• Visibility: Good
• Swell Period: 8 seconds (NW swell dominant)
• Swell Direction: NW

This Week's Outlook

Day	Wind	Seas	Conditions
Wed 15	NW 15-25 kt	6-8 ft	Rough, advisory
Thu 16	NW 20-25 kt	7-9 ft	Rough, advisory
Fri 17	NW 15-20 kt	6-8 ft	Improving
Sat 18	NW 10-15 kt	5-7 ft	Good fishing!
Sun 19	NW 5-10 kt	4-6 ft	Excellent

Fishing Report

Despite rough conditions, offshore fishing remains productive:

• Lingcod: Good — up to 25 lbs reported, fish deep structure
• Rockfish: ✅ EXCELLENT — strong action across all species
• Vermilion Rockfish: Great in 100-150 ft
• Copper Rockfish: Good numbers
• Blue Rockfish: Abundant!
• Salmon: Season closed — prepare for fall opener

Current Bait Report:

• 🐟 Mackerel active in the bay
• 🐟 Sardines showing — excellent for trolling
• 🐟 Squid — consistent performer

Best Ocean Lures:

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

💡 Pro Tip: Wait until Saturday/Sunday for best ocean conditions — winds will subside significantly!

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🌙 Solunar Times (July 15-19)

Date	Major 1	Minor 1	Major 2	Minor 2
Wed 15	6:15 AM	12:15 PM	6:45 PM	12:30 AM
Thu 16	7:00 AM	1:00 PM	7:30 PM	1:15 AM
Fri 17	7:45 AM	1:45 PM	8:15 PM	2:00 AM
Sat 18	8:30 AM	2:30 PM	9:00 PM	2:45 AM
Sun 19	9:15 AM	3:15 PM	9:45 PM	3:30 AM

Best fishing windows: Early morning (6:15-9 AM) and evening (6:45-9 PM)

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📅 What to Expect

• Wednesday-Thursday: Rough ocean, small craft advisories — lake fishing recommended
• Friday: Conditions improving, ocean fishing becoming viable
• Saturday-Sunday: Prime conditions! NW 5-15 kt, seas 4-6 ft
• Bass fishing — target early morning/evening windows
• Catfish action heating up at Lake Nacimiento
• Prepare for potential salmon season this fall

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🎣 Get Your Gear Ready

Check our Fishing Guide for species info and regulations.

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

Tight lines, Central Coast! 🎣

Data: NOAA Marine Forecast, NDBC Buoy 46011, USGS Water Data