SLO County Fishing Report — September 2, 2026
Wednesdaygauge Port San Luis / Morro Bay · NOAA 94121102 places
There is a newer report: SLO County Fishing Report — November 15, 2026 →
Verdicts by place
Morro Bay offshore
Fair2–3 ftwater 63°F
Moderate NW wind, 2-3 ft waves
Lake Nacimiento
Good750.2 ft40% capacity
Bass on topwater at dawn and dusk, shad schooled lake-wide
Lopez Lake
GoodBass solid on shad raps, zoom worms and crawdads
Santa Margarita Lake
FairBass deep at midday; crappie and catfish at dawn and dusk
Tides for the day
| 2:20 AM high | 3.5 ft |
|---|---|
| 7:12 AM low | 2.3 ft |
| 1:52 PM high | 5.5 ft |
| 9:30 PM low | 0.8 ft |
- range
- 4.7 ft
- sunrise
- 6:36 AM
- sunset
- 7:29 PM
Predictions from NOAA Tides & Currents. 14-day calendar →
Bite grid
excellentgoodfairslownoted
| Species | Nacimiento | Morro Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Crappie / panfish | good | not reported |
| Rockfish | not reported | noted |
| Lingcod | not reported | excellent |
| Halibut | not reported | good |
| Salmon | not reported | notedseason |
By water
from the report- Water Level 750.2 ft, 151,491 AF (40% of capacity), CDEC NCM, Sep 2.
- Crappie good Near submerged structure
None listed.
- Status Great
Small swimbaits match the shad. Crawdad patterns work at midday.
Full report2 min read ›
The lakes and the rockfish boats are both doing well this Wednesday. Expect mild temperatures and a NW wind that builds through the day, so the ocean gets choppy by late morning. The lakes are still warm enough for the warm-water species.
Lake Fishing Reports
Lake Nacimiento
Status: Great Water Level: 750.2 ft, 151,491 AF (40% of capacity), CDEC NCM, Sep 2.
Bass fishing remains excellent. Shad are schooled throughout the lake and the bass are feeding hard on them. The best topwater action comes early in the morning and again late in the evening.
What's Biting:
- Largemouth bass - Great on topwater lures at dawn/dusk
- White bass - Active near shad schools
- Crappie: Good. Near submerged structure
Tips: Small swimbaits match the shad. Crawdad patterns work at midday.
Lopez Lake
Status: Good Water Level: 511.5 ft, 39,833 AF (81% of capacity), CDEC LOP, Sep 2.
Bass fishing is solid on shad rap, zoom worms and crawdad patterns, mostly in shallow pockets and coves near structure.
Santa Margarita Lake
Status: Fair
Bass are fair and hold deep during the midday heat. Crappie and catfish pick up at dawn and dusk near submerged timber, and catfish take cut bait at night.
Ocean Fishing - Morro Bay
Status: Good Conditions: Moderate winds, moderate swell Water Temp: 63°F (NDBC 46011, Santa Maria, morning) Wave Height: 2-3 ft
The rockfish bite is holding up in clean water, even with some chop from the rising NW wind. Seas are calmer on the morning trips.
Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Santa Maria):
- Wind: WNW (330°) at 5.0-6.0 m/s, gusting to 6.0-7.0 m/s (~11-16 mph)
- Wave Height: ~2.6 ft (0.8m)
- Wave Period: 10-13 seconds
- Water Temp: 63°F (17.2°C)
- Air Temp: 62°F (16.5°C)
- Pressure: 1017.4 hPa (steady)
What's Biting:
- Rockfish: Multiple species including vermilion and blue
- Lingcod: Strong action
- Halibut: Good prospects along the beaches and at Cayucos Pier
Salmon Season: Currently open.
Morro Bay Landing (Sep 1): Endeavor, 3/4 day, 15 anglers: 95 rockfish, 35 bocaccio, 25 red rockfish, 5 copper rockfish, 5 lingcod. Patriot Sportfishing (Sep 1): Patriot, 3/4 day, 15 anglers: 102 bolina, 30 rockcod, 13 cabezon, 3 red rockcod. Counts: SportfishingReport.com dock totals, Sep 1.
Sources: NDBC buoy 46011; weather from Open-Meteo.