SLO County Fishing Report — July 26, 2026
Sundaygauge Port San Luis / Morro Bay · NOAA 94121105 places
There is a newer report: SLO County Fishing Report — November 15, 2026 →
Verdicts by place
Lake Nacimiento
Good759.5 ft48% capacity
White Bass: hot bite, Best during morning hours and windy conditions; Spotted Bass: Excellent on rocky points and submerged structure
Lopez Lake
Good513.1 ft83% capacity
Bass: good, Shad-colored crankbaits and jerkbaits working well
Santa Margarita Lake
GoodBass: good, Shallow water action with topwater lures early; Crappie: Active on points with small jigs
San Antonio Lake
Good745.4 ft54% capacity
Trout: Slow; Catfish: Good at dusk in coves with chicken liver
NOAA tide predictions for this day aren't available right now. See the Port San Luis / Morro Bay tide calendar →
Bite grid
excellentgoodfairslownoted
| Species | Nacimiento | Santa Margarita | Lopez | San Antonio | Morro Bay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bass | excellentwhite · spotted | good | good | fair | goodsea |
| Catfish | not reported | excellent | not reported | good | not reported |
| Crappie / panfish | good | noted | notedpanfish | not reported | not reported |
| Trout | not reported | slow | not reported | slow | not reported |
| Rockfish | not reported | not reported | not reported | not reported | excellent/lingcod |
| Halibut | not reported | not reported | not reported | not reported | good |
| Salmon | not reported | not reported | not reported | not reported | noted |
By water
from the report- Level 759.5 ft, 184,907 AF (48% of capacity), CDEC NCM, Jul 26.
- White Bass excellent Bite, best in the morning and when it's windy
- Spotted Bass excellent On rocky points and submerged structure
- Crappie good On 2-3 inch swimbaits near rocky pockets
- White/silver bladed jigs
- pin-tail trailers
- shallow crankbaits
Target wind-blown points early morning. Focus on main lake points and the narrows.
Full report2 min read ›
The ocean is windy and choppy, with 7.5 ft seas at the Santa Maria buoy. The rockfish are good when you can get out.
Lake Fishing Reports
Lake Nacimiento
- Level: 759.5 ft, 184,907 AF (48% of capacity), CDEC NCM, Jul 26.
- White Bass: HOT bite, best in the morning and when it's windy
- Spotted Bass: Excellent on rocky points and submerged structure
- Best Lures: White/silver bladed jigs, pin-tail trailers, shallow crankbaits
- Crappie: Good on 2-3 inch swimbaits near rocky pockets
- Tip: Target wind-blown points early morning. Focus on main lake points and the narrows.
Santa Margarita Lake
- Bass: Good. Shallow fish on topwater early
- Crappie: Active on points with small jigs
- Catfish: EXCELLENT at night on chicken liver and garlic shrimp
- Trout: Slow. Deep water with slow retrieves
- Tip: Morning topwater bite has been consistent. Work points and marina area.
Lopez Lake
- Level: 513.1 ft, 41,098 AF (83% of capacity), CDEC LOP, Jul 26.
- Bass: GOOD on shad-colored crankbaits and jerkbaits
- Panfish: Crappie and bluegill near marina on Rapalas and white jigs
- Tip: Drop-shotting in 25-35 ft for larger bass. Look for baitfish schools.
San Antonio Lake
- Level: 745.4 ft, 179,622 AF (54% of capacity), CDEC ATN, Jul 26.
- Trout: Slow. Early morning only, try chartreuse PowerBait
- Catfish: Good at dusk in coves with chicken liver
- Bass: Moderate. Focus on shallow crankbaits at dawn
- Tip: Fish the deep pockets.
Ocean Fishing: Morro Bay
Current Conditions (Santa Maria Buoy 46011):
- Wave Height: 7.5 ft (2.3m) — choppy
- Wave Period: 7 seconds
- Wind: NNW at 22-25 mph (gusts to 29 mph)
- Water Temp: 61°F (NDBC 46011, Santa Maria)
- Air Temp: 59-61°F (15-16°C)
- Pressure: 1014.8 hPa — stable
Ocean Report:
- Rockfish/Lingcod: Excellent
- Halibut: Good nearshore, drifting squid or bait
- Sea Bass: Good on structure
- Salmon: Open. The Monterey area (south of Pigeon Point) is open through Aug. 31; check CDFW for in-season changes
Morro Bay Landing (Jul 25): Avenger, 3/4 day, 29 anglers: 220 rockfish, 10 red rockfish, 7 bocaccio, 6 copper rockfish.
Patriot Sportfishing (Jul 25): Flying Fish, 1/2 day, 11 anglers: 106 rockcod, 3 copper rockfish, 1 cabezon.
Counts: SportfishingReport.com dock totals, Jul 25.
Best Fishing: Incoming tide morning (5-8 AM), incoming tide evening (4-7 PM).
Wind: The strong NW wind is making it choppy, so small boats should fish the calmer mornings.