SLO County Fishing Report — August 11, 2026
Tuesdaygauge Port San Luis / Morro Bay · NOAA 94121104 places
There is a newer report: SLO County Fishing Report — November 15, 2026 →
Verdicts by place
Morro Bay offshore
Good4–5 ft
Great; light winds, small to moderate swell; seas 3-4 ft
Lake Nacimiento
Fair755.7 ft45% capacity
Water levels have dropped to their lowest point of the summer season
Lopez Lake
Good512.4 ft82% capacity
Excellent conditions at Lopez
Santa Margarita Lake
FairLimited data available, but fishing is reportedly fair
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 | Lopez | San Antonio | Morro Bay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bass | goodlargemouth · white | notedlargemouth · white | goodlargemouth · white | not reported |
| Crappie / panfish | fair | good | not reported | not reported |
| Rockfish | not reported | not reported | not reported | noted |
| Lingcod | not reported | not reported | not reported | excellent |
| Halibut | not reported | not reported | not reported | good |
| Salmon | not reported | not reported | not reported | notedseason |
By water
from the report- Water Level 755.66 ft, 170,882 AF (45% of capacity), CDEC NCM, Aug 11.
- Largemouth bass good On topwater at dawn/dusk
- White bass Active near deep water
- Crappie fair Near submerged structure
None listed.
- Status Fair
Focus on early morning topwater action before the sun heats up the shallows. The lower water levels have concentrated fish in deeper areas.
Marine forecast
seaswindas written in the report
- Today
- seas
- 3–4 ft
Light winds
- Tonight
- seas
- 3–4 ft
Light winds
- Wednesdaylighter
- seas
- 3–5 ft
- wind
- W 5–10 kt
W 5-10 kt in the afternoon after light morning winds
- Wednesday nightlighter
- seas
- 3–5 ft
- wind
- NW 5–10 kt
becoming light
Full report3 min read ›
Nacimiento is at its lowest level of the summer, about 44 ft below full pool, and its bite has slipped to fair. Lopez, at 82% of capacity (CDEC LOP), is the lake to fish. The ocean stays mild for now, with rockfish and lingcod steady.
Lake Fishing Reports
Lake Nacimiento
Status: Fair Water Level: 755.66 ft, 170,882 AF (45% of capacity), CDEC NCM, Aug 11.
Water levels have dropped to their lowest point of the summer season. 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
Tips: Focus on early morning topwater action before the sun heats up the shallows. The lower water levels have concentrated fish in deeper areas.
Lopez Lake
Status: Good Water Level: 512.41 ft, 40,550 AF (82% of capacity), CDEC LOP, Aug 11.
Conditions at Lopez are excellent, and it is a good alternative to the 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
Tips: This is the best bet right now. Try small swimbaits and spinnerbaits.
Santa Margarita Lake
Status: Fair
Limited data available, but fishing is reportedly fair. Bass holding deep during midday heat. Crappie and catfish picking up at dusk.
Tips: Early morning recommended. Focus on shaded areas and deeper water.
Lake San Antonio
Status: Fair
Water Level: 743.35 ft, 172,479 AF (52% of capacity), CDEC ATN, Aug 11.
Similar conditions to Nacimiento with lower water levels. 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
Tips: Try Carolina rigs for the deeper fish.
Ocean Fishing - Morro Bay
Status: Great Conditions: Light winds, small to moderate swell Water Temp: 63-64°F (NDBC 46011, Santa Maria) Wave Height: 4-5 ft (1.4-1.6m) Wave Period: 8-10 seconds
Rockfish season is still producing. The mild conditions make for comfortable fishing both from shore and charter boats.
Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Santa Maria):
- 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: 65-66°F (NDBC 46011, Santa Maria, morning)
- Air Temp: 59°F (15°C)
- Pressure: 1014.8 hPa (steady)
Marine forecast:
Today: Light winds, seas 3-4 ft
Tonight: Light winds, seas 3-4 ft
Wednesday: W 5-10 kt in the afternoon after light morning winds, seas 3-5 ft
Wednesday night: NW 5-10 kt, becoming light, seas 3-5 ft
NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard, zone PZZ645 (Point Piedras Blancas to Point Sal), issued 212 AM PDT Tue Aug 11 2026.
What's Biting:
- Rockfish: Multiple species including vermilion and blue
- Lingcod: Strong action
- Halibut: Good prospects along the beaches and from piers
Patriot Sportfishing (Aug 10): Flying Fish, 1/2 day, 16 anglers: 154 rockcod, 4 copper rockfish, 2 lingcod, 1 red rockcod.
Counts: SportfishingReport.com dock totals, Aug 10.
Salmon Season: Currently open.
Tips: The forecast stays light through Friday, so go in the mornings, before the afternoon breeze.
Extended Forecast
Thursday and Friday stay light in the forecast, with seas of 3-4 ft.
Sources: NDBC buoy 46011; NWS zone PZZ645; lake levels from CDEC (NCM, LOP, ATN); counts from SportfishingReport.com.