SLO County Fishing Report — September 17, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for September 17th, 2026.

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Thursday brings mild late-summer conditions with moderate northwest winds. Ocean conditions are choppy but fishable, with wave heights around 5-6 feet. Water temperatures are holding warm—ideal for targeting both warm-water lake species and ocean bottom fish. The extended forecast looks favorable for a great weekend of fishing!

Note: USGS lake data is experiencing temporary service delays. Lake level data from alternate sources included where available.

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟢 Great Water Level: ~750 ft MSL (estimated, seasonal norm) Water Temp: 68-72°F

Bass fishing remains excellent! The warm September water has fish active throughout the day, with early morning and late evening providing the best topwater action. With schools of shad throughout the lake, the bass are feeding aggressively in preparation for fall.

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. The bass are keying on shad—try small swimbaits!

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Lopez Lake

Status: 🟢 Good Water Level: Healthy for mid-September (estimated) 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. The lake is in great shape for mid-September.

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. The lake is at good levels for fall fishing.

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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🌊 Ocean Fishing - Morro Bay

Status: 🟡 Good (Check Conditions Before Heading Out) Conditions: Moderate NW winds, moderate swell Water Temp: 64.9°F (18.3°C from Buoy 46011) Wave Height: 5.6 ft (1.7m)

Rockfish season continues to deliver! Charter boats are reporting good catches, though conditions are a bit choppy today with the NW wind. The water is clean and fishing remains steady.

Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Pt Conception):

• Wind: NNW (330°) at 4.0 m/s (~9 mph), gusting to 5.0-6.0 m/s
• Wave Height: 5.6 ft (1.7m)
• Wave Period: 16 seconds (dominant), 8-9 seconds (average)
• Water Temp: 64.9°F (18.3°C)
• Air Temp: 62.6°F (17°C)
• Pressure: 1018.3 hPa (rising slowly)

NOAA Marine Forecast - Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas:

• Today: NW wind 10-15 kt, seas around 5 ft
• Tonight: NW wind 10-15 kt, seas around 5 ft
• Friday: NW wind 10-15 kt, seas 5-6 ft

⚠️ Advisory: Moderate winds today—check conditions before heading out. Morning trips will offer calmer seas.

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:

"Good rockfish action today! A bit choppy with the wind but fish are cooperating. Lingcod are hitting big swimbaits."

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 (September 17)

Note: Tide data based on NOAA predictions

Time	Tide	Height
4:18 AM	High	3.9 ft
10:12 AM	Low	1.8 ft
4:42 PM	High	5.4 ft
10:42 PM	Low	1.2 ft

Best Tide: High tide around mid-day is ideal for rockfish and lingcod. Low tide exposes structure for shore fishing.

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🌙 Solunar Forecast - September 17

Period	Time	Activity
Major	5:54 AM - 7:54 AM	🟢 Prime
Minor	12:18 PM - 2:18 PM	🟡 Good
Major	6:24 PM - 8:24 PM	🟢 Prime
Minor	12:48 AM - 2:48 AM	🟡 Good

Best Times: Early morning (5:30-7:30 AM) and evening (6:00-8:00 PM) for best fishing!

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📅 Extended Forecast

Friday: Sunny, moderate winds - Good fishing conditions Saturday: Mild, morning fog - Great for early starts Weekend: Partly cloudy, light swell - Prime time for both lake and ocean

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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. Lake level data from US Lakes Network.