SLO County Fishing Report — August 14, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for August 14th, 2026.

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Summer conditions persist with warm afternoons, mild morning fog, and light to moderate northwest winds. A long-period southerly swell is approaching the coast Friday night through Sunday, bringing increased wave energy. Lakes are at good levels for late-summer fishing with warming water temperatures driving active fish.

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟢 Great Water Level: 755.16 ft MSL (46.2% capacity, -1.52 ft from last week) Water Temp: 72-77°F

Bass fishing remains 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: 512.38 ft (80.8% capacity, -0.27 ft from last week) Water Temp: 65-70°F (historical)

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: 65-70°F (historical)

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 (historical)

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 NW winds, moderate seas, approaching southerly swell Water Temp: 66.7°F (19.3°C from Buoy 46011) Wave Height: 4-5 ft (NW 4-6 ft at 7-8 sec, S 3 ft at 15 sec)

Rockfish season continues to deliver! Charter boats are reporting limits with good lingcod action. A long-period southerly swell (16-18 ft) approaches this weekend - check conditions before heading out.

Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Pt Conception):

• Wind: NW (300-330°) at 2-3 m/s (~4-7 mph)
• Wave Height: ~4-5 ft (1.3m)
• Water Temp: 66.7°F (19.3°C)
• Air Temp: 63.3°F (17.5°C)
• Pressure: 1015.3 hPa (steady)

NOAA Marine Forecast: Gentle to moderate northwest winds continue through early next week. Seas continue to subside and become moderate. A long period southerly swell of about 16 to 18 seconds approaches the coast Friday night into Sunday. Winds will freshen early to mid next week, causing seas to build up to 9 feet.

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:

"Great fishing on the rockfish grounds! Limits of quality fish. Lingcod are hitting well too. Water is clean and conditions are comfortable."

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 before afternoon winds pick up.

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🌊 Tide Schedule - Morro Bay (August 14)

Note: Tide data based on NOAA predictions

Time	Tide
5:17 AM	Low
11:29 AM	High
5:29 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 14

Period	Time	Activity
Major	5:17 AM - 7:17 AM	🟢 Prime
Minor	11:29 AM - 1:29 PM	🟡 Good
Major	5:29 PM - 7:29 PM	🟢 Prime

Best Times: Early morning (5-7 AM) and evening (5:30-7:30 PM) for best fishing!

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📅 Extended Forecast

Friday: Sunny, light winds - Excellent fishing conditions Saturday: Partly cloudy, swell building - Check conditions Sunday: Larger swell, moderate winds - Fish morning hours Monday: Increased winds/waves - Best to stay in

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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 and NOAA Marine Forecast. Lake level data from LakeBrief.com & Snoflo.