SLO County Fishing Report — August 4, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for August 4th, 2026.

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Summer conditions continue with warm days, mild morning fog, and light winds. Ocean conditions are improving after a week of larger swell. Lakes are at healthy levels for late-season fishing. Both lake and ocean fishing are producing well!

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟢 Great Water Level: 758.04 ft MSL (49% capacity, -1.45 ft from last week) Water Temp: 68-72°F

Bass fishing is excellent! The warm water temperatures have fish active throughout the day, with early morning and late evening providing the best topwater action.

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: Use light tackle for more action. Crawdad patterns working well midday. Watch for floating debris and grass.

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Lopez Lake

Status: 🟢 Good Water Level: 129% of normal (48,679 acre-ft) Water Temp: 65-70°F

Bass fishing is solid with 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 fair but 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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Lake San Antonio

Status: 🟢 Good
Water Level: 148% of normal (270,863 acre-ft) Water Temp: 66-70°F

Excellent bass fishing at this often-overlooked lake. The higher water levels have created new structure and access to previously dry areas.

Best Bets:

• Upper lake coves
• New shoreline vegetation
• Deep water channels

Tips: Great alternative to Nacimiento with less crowds!

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🌊 Ocean Fishing - Morro Bay

Status: 🟢 Great Conditions: Light winds, moderate swell declining Water Temp: 59-60°F (15.4°C from Buoy 46011) Wave Height: 5-7 ft (declining)

Rockfish season continues to deliver! Charter boats are reporting limits with good lingcod action. The mild conditions make for comfortable fishing.

Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Pt Conception):

• Wind: NW (310-340°) at 2-4 m/s (~4-9 mph)
• Wave Height: ~6.5 ft (2.0m)
• Water Temp: 59.7°F (15.4°C)
• Air Temp: 55-57°F (13-14°C)
• Pressure: 1010.7-1011.1 hPa (steady)

NOAA Marine Forecast: Light to gentle winds through late week. Seas 4-8 ft, abating to 3-5 ft by Thursday. Pacific High strengthens late week with building seas and winds returning this weekend.

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

Salmon Season: Currently open! Some boats reporting success.

Charter Report - Morro Bay Landing:

"Beautiful conditions on the water! Rockfish limits and a few nice lingcod. Water is clean and fishing is steady."

Best Bets:

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

Tips: Bring your heavy tackle for lingcod—they're thick and fight hard! Morning trips best for calm seas.

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🌊 Tide Schedule - Morro Bay (August 4)

Note: Tide data based on NOAA predictions

Time	Tide
5:42 AM	Low
12:08 PM	High
6:18 PM	Low

Best Tide: High tide around noon is ideal for rockfish and lingcod. Low tide exposes structure for shore fishing.

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🌙 Solunar Forecast - August 4

Period	Time	Activity
Major	5:42 AM - 7:42 AM	🟢 Prime
Minor	12:08 PM - 2:08 PM	🟡 Good
Major	6:18 PM - 8:18 PM	🟢 Prime

Best Times: Early morning (5-7 AM) and evening (6-8 PM) for best fishing!

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📅 Extended Forecast

Wednesday: Sunny, light winds - Excellent fishing conditions Thursday: Mild, morning fog - Great for early starts Friday: Partly cloudy, swell building - Fish morning hours Weekend: Increased winds/waves - Check conditions before heading out

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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 NDBC Buoy 46011. Lake level data from US Lakes Network & Lakebrief.