SLO County Fishing Report — July 23, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for July 23rd, 2026.

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Summer continues to deliver excellent fishing conditions across SLO County! Expect warm afternoon temperatures with comfortable morning conditions. Northwest winds will pick up this afternoon, so plan your ocean trips for early morning. Lakes are fishing well with warm water temperatures activating the bite.

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟢 Great Water Level: ~758 ft MSL (stable, ~82% capacity) Water Temp: 68-72°F

Bass fishing remains excellent at Nacimiento! The warm water has fish active throughout the day, with early morning topwater action heating up.

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Largemouth bass - Great on topwater lures at dawn/dusk
• 🐟 White bass - Active near shad schools
• 🐠 Crappie - Good near submerged structure

Best Bets:

• Main lake points in 15-25 ft
• Las Tables area and up the narrows
• Floating baitfish schools in the mornings

Tips: Crawdad patterns are working well midday. Watch for floating debris and grass. Light tackle will yield more bites!

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Lopez Lake

Status: 🟢 Good Water Level: ~520 ft MSL (~68% capacity)
Water Temp: 65-70°F

Bass fishing is solid at Lopez! Good action on shad rap, zoom worms, and crawdad patterns. Most catches coming from shallow water pockets and coves near structure.

Best Bets:

• Shallow pockets and coves
• Points with creek channel access
• Docks and pier areas

Tips: Fish are feeding heavily on shad. Try small swimbaits and spinnerbaits!

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Santa Margarita Lake

Status: 🟡 Fair Water Temp: 64-68°F

Bass are holding deep during midday heat. Crappie and catfish picking up at dusk and dawn near submerged timber.

Best Bets:

• Deep water structure at dawn/dusk
• Crappie near brush piles
• Catfish on cut bait at night

Tips: Focus on early morning hours when water is coolest.

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San Antonio Lake

Status: 🟡 Fair Water Level: ~62% capacity Water Temp: 66-70°F

Bass fishing is fair. Fish are deep during the day and moving shallow at dawn/dusk. Bluegill and catfish providing good action for shore anglers.

Best Bets:

• Marina area for shore fishing
• Creek mouths at dawn/dusk
• Deep water docks

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🌊 Ocean Fishing - Morro Bay

Status: 🟢 Great Conditions: Moderate winds this afternoon, moderate swell Water Temp: 60-63°F Wave Height: 5-6 ft

Rockfish season continues to deliver! Charter boats are reporting limits with good lingcod action. The conditions are excellent for bottom fishing, though winds will pick up this afternoon.

Current Ocean Data (NOAA Marine Forecast - Point Piedras Blancas to Point Pinos):

• Wind: NW 15-20 knots (Small Craft Advisory in effect)
• Wave Height: 5-6 ft, NW swell at 6 seconds + S swell at 13 seconds
• Visibility: Good
• Water Temp: 60-63°F

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Rockfish - Full limits, multiple species including vermilion and blue
• 🐡 Lingcod - Strong action, fish to 8+ lbs reported
• 🦈 Halibut - Good prospects along the beaches and from pier

Salmon Season: Currently open! Some boats reporting success.

Charter Report - Morro Bay Landing:

"Great day on the water! Rockfish limits and nice lingcod. Wind picked up in the afternoon but fishing was steady all day."

Best Bets:

• Bottom fishing over rocky structure (60-150 ft)
• Drift fishing along the drop-offs
• Cayucos Pier for halibut

Tips: Get out early before winds pick up. Bring heavy tackle for lingcod—they're thick and fight hard!

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🌊 Tide Schedule - Morro Bay / Port San Luis (July 23)

Note: Tide data based on NOAA predictions at Port San Luis (Station 9412110)

Time	Tide	Height
12:18 AM	Low	0.68 ft
6:42 AM	High	2.93 ft
12:24 PM	Low	2.84 ft
6:48 PM	High	3.08 ft

Best Tide: High tide around 6:48 PM is ideal for evening rockfish trips. The morning high tide around 6:42 AM is perfect for early starts.

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🌙 Solunar Forecast - July 23

Period	Time	Activity
Major	12:18 AM - 2:18 AM	🟡 Good
Minor	6:42 AM - 8:42 AM	🟢 Prime
Major	12:24 PM - 2:24 PM	🟡 Good
Minor	6:48 PM - 8:48 PM	🟢 Prime

Best Times: Early morning (6-8 AM) and evening (6-8 PM) for best fishing!

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📅 Extended Forecast

Thursday: Sunny, NW winds 15-20 kt - Start early! Friday: Morning fog, lighter winds - Great for ocean Weekend: Partly cloudy, swell building - Check conditions before heading out

Note: Long period southerly swell from Hurricane Fausto may reach the coast this weekend, potentially increasing wave heights.

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🎣 Gear Recommendations

Lake:

• Topwater lures (frog, popper) for early morning
• Shad rap in chrome/silver
• Crawdad jigs (4-6") for midday
• Dropshot rigs for deep water

Ocean:

• Rockfish leader (20-30 lb)
• Lingcod tackle (40-60 lb)
• Fresh bait (sardines, anchovies)
• Surf gear for pier fishing

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📬 Stay Connected

Got a hot report? Send your photos and tips to tips@calcoasttides.com — we love featuring local catches!

See you on the water! 🎣

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Report generated for SLO County waters. Always check CDFW regulations before heading out. Ocean data courtesy of NOAA NWS Marine Forecast (FZUS56 KMTR) and NOAA Tides & Currents (Station 9412110). Lake data estimated from seasonal averages.