SLO County Fishing Report — August 11, 2026

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

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Summer conditions continue with warm lake water temperatures and mild ocean conditions. Lakes are showing lower levels compared to earlier in the season but still fishable. Ocean fishing remains excellent with rockfish and lingcod delivering consistent action.

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟡 Fair Water Level: 755.90 ft (46.9% capacity, 177,277 acre-ft) Water Temp: 75-77°F

Water levels have dropped to their lowest point of the summer season. The lake is about 44 ft below full pool. However, fishing remains fair with bass still active in the mornings and evenings.

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Largemouth bass - Good on topwater at dawn/dusk
• 🐠 White bass - Active near deep water
• 🦎 Crappie - Fair near submerged structure

Best Bets:

• Deep water structure (20-40 ft)
• Points near the dam
• Shady coves during midday

Tips: Focus on early morning topwater action before the sun heats up the shallows. The lower water levels have concentrated fish in deeper areas.

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Lopez Lake

Status: 🟢 Good Water Level: 48,679 acre-ft (129% of normal) Water Temp: 70-75°F

Excellent conditions at Lopez! The lake is at 129% of normal storage, making it a great alternative to lower lakes. Good action on shad patterns and crawdad imitations.

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Largemouth bass - Great on swimbaits and spinners
• 🐠 White bass - Active on main lake points
• 🐡 Crappie - Good near docks and brush

Best Bets:

• Main lake points
• Creek channels
• Shallow coves at dawn/dusk

Tips: This is your best bet right now! The higher water levels have created new structure. Try small swimbaits and spinnerbaits.

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Santa Margarita Lake

Status: 🟡 Fair Water Temp: 70-74°F

Limited data available, but fishing is reportedly fair. Bass holding deep during midday heat. Crappie and catfish picking up at dusk.

Best Bets:

• Deep water structure at dawn/dusk
• Submerged timber areas
• Creek mouths

Tips: Early morning recommended. Focus on shaded areas and deeper water.

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Lake San Antonio

Status: 🟡 Fair
Water Level: 743.46 ft (45.0% capacity, 137,136 acre-ft) Water Temp: 72-76°F

Similar conditions to Nacimiento with lower water levels. The lake is about 36.5 ft below full pool. Fishing remains fair with bass activity concentrated in deeper areas.

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Largemouth bass - Fair on deep diving lures
• 🐠 White bass - Good near main lake points

Best Bets:

• Deep water channels
• Points near the dam
• Upper lake coves

Tips: Great alternative to Nacimiento with fewer crowds. Try Carolina rigs for deeper fish.

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🌊 Ocean Fishing - Morro Bay

Status: 🟢 Great Conditions: Light winds, small to moderate swell Water Temp: 63-64°F (17.3°C from Buoy 46011) Wave Height: 4-5 ft (1.4-1.6m) Wave Period: 8-10 seconds

Rockfish season continues to deliver! The mild conditions make for comfortable fishing both from shore and charter boats.

Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Pt Conception):

• Wind: Variable (S to NW) at 1-4 m/s (~2-9 mph)
• Wave Height: 4.5-5.2 ft (1.4-1.6m)
• Wave Period: 8-10 seconds
• Water Temp: 63.2°F (17.3°C)
• Air Temp: 59°F (15°C)
• Pressure: 1014.8 hPa (steady)

NOAA Marine Forecast: Fresh to strong northwest winds will continue to produce rough seas across the northern outer waters through Thursday. Long period southerly swell will gradually increase from 15 seconds through the middle of the week, up to 17 to 19 seconds by Friday into Saturday.

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 piers

Salmon Season: Currently open! Some boats reporting success.

Charter Report - Morro Bay Landing:

"Great rockfishing! Limits of quality rockfish and a few nice lingcod. The ocean is a bit choppy but fishing is steady."

Best Bets:

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

Tips: The swell is building toward the weekend - go out now for the best conditions! Morning trips best for calm seas.

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🌊 Tide Schedule - Morro Bay (August 11)

Note: Tide data based on NOAA predictions

Time	Tide
5:42 AM	Low
12:08 PM	High
6:12 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 11

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

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

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📅 Extended Forecast

Wednesday: Sunny, moderate winds - Good fishing conditions Thursday: Partly cloudy, swell building - Morning recommended Friday: Increased swell expected - Check conditions before heading out Weekend: Larger waves expected - Best for shore fishing

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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
• Carolina rigs for bass

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 Lakebrief.com & Snoflo.