SLO County Fishing Report — August 20, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for August 20th, 2026.

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Late summer conditions persist with warm afternoons, mild morning fog, and moderate northwesterly winds. Ocean conditions are typical for August with moderate swell and good fishing. Lakes remain at healthy levels for late-season fishing!

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟢 Great Water Level: ~755 ft MSL (~48% capacity, seasonal decline) 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: ~125% of normal (~47,000 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: ~145% of normal (~265,000 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: Moderate NW winds, moderate swell Water Temp: 61-62°F (16.6°C from Buoy 46011) Wave Height: 4-6 ft (1.4-1.8m)

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

Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Pt Conception):

• Wind: NW (320-340°) at 7-8 m/s (~15-18 mph)
• Wave Height: ~5 ft (1.5m) at 8 seconds
• Dominant Wave Period: 8-9 seconds
• Water Temp: 61.9°F (16.6°C)
• Air Temp: 58-60°F (14-16°C)
• Pressure: 1014.3 hPa (steady)

NOAA Marine Forecast: Moderate to fresh northwesterly breeze prevails through Friday. Hazardous conditions for small craft due to occasional strong northwest gusts across the outer waters. Moderate seas continue across the outer waters with wave heights 7-8 ft, decreasing Friday into the 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:

"Great conditions on the water! Rockfish limits and 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 20)

Note: Tide data based on NOAA predictions at Port San Luis (9412110)

Time	Tide	Height
5:18 AM	Low	~0.6 ft
11:30 AM	High	~5.3 ft
5:42 PM	Low	~0.8 ft

Best Tide: High tide around 11:30 AM is ideal for rockfish and lingcod. Low tide exposes structure for shore fishing.

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🌙 Solunar Forecast - August 20

Period	Time	Activity
Major	5:18 AM - 7:18 AM	🟢 Prime
Minor	11:30 AM - 1:30 PM	🟡 Good
Major	5:42 PM - 7:42 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

Thursday: Sunny, moderate NW winds - Good fishing conditions Friday: Mild, morning fog - Great for early starts Saturday: Partly cloudy, swell building - Fish morning hours Sunday: 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 & NOAA Tides & Currents. Lake level data estimated based on seasonal trends.