SLO County Fishing Report — September 20, 2026

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

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Sunday brings challenging conditions with a Small Craft Advisory in effect through Monday morning. Strong NW winds (20-25 kt) and rough seas (7-8 ft) are making ocean fishing difficult. Lake conditions remain fair, though water levels continue to drop as we move into late September. The good news: water temperatures are still warm enough for active fish!

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟡 Fair Water Level: 745.94 ft MSL (-0.23 ft from yesterday, -1.71 ft over 7 days) Storage: 37.7% of capacity (142,353 AF of 377,900 AF) Water Temp: ~75°F (September seasonal average)

The lake continues to drop as we approach fall, now about 54 ft below full pool. Bass fishing remains fair but fish are adjusting to lower water levels. Look for fish holding in deeper water during midday, with better topwater action at dawn and dusk.

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Largemouth bass - Good on topwater at dawn/dusk
• 🐠 White bass - Active near remaining shad schools
• 🦐 Crappie - Fair near submerged structure

Best Bets:

• Main lake points in 20-30 ft
• Deep water channels near the narrows
• Shady coves during afternoon heat

Tips: With water levels falling, focus on deeper structure. Crawdad patterns and slow-retrieved worms working well. Watch for floating debris—bass are keying on baitfish in open water.

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Lopez Lake

Status: 🟡 Fair Water Level: Moderate (seasonal) Water Temp: 65-70°F (estimated)

Bass fishing is fair with fish moving to deeper water as temperatures begin to cool. Shad rap and crawdad patterns producing best. The lake is accessible and in decent shape for late September.

Best Bets:

• Points with deep water access
• Shallow coves early morning
• Creek channels

Tips: Focus early mornings and evenings. Fish are feeding heavily before the fall transition.

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Santa Margarita Lake

Status: 🟡 Fair Water Temp: 64-68°F (estimated)

Bass fishing is fair, with fish holding deep during midday. Crappie and catfish picking up at dusk 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: Early morning hours when water is coolest are most productive.

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🌊 Ocean Fishing - Morro Bay

Status: 🔴 Rough (Check Conditions Before Heading Out) Conditions: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY through Monday morning Water Temp: 66.5-67.5°F (19.2-19.7°C from Buoy 46011) Wave Height: 6-7 ft (1.8-2.1 m)

⚠️ Advisory: Small Craft Advisory in effect. Strong winds and rough seas make small craft operations dangerous today. Recommend postponing ocean trips until Monday/Tuesday when conditions improve.

Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Pt Conception):

• Wind: NW (330°) at 4-6 m/s (~9-13 mph), gusting 6-10 m/s
• Wave Height: 6-7 ft (1.8-2.1 m)
• Wave Period: 7-9 seconds
• Water Temp: 66.5-67.5°F (19.2-19.7°C)
• Air Temp: 60-62°F (15.9-16.7°C)
• Pressure: 1013.5-1014.2 hPa (steady)

NOAA Marine Forecast - Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas:

• Today (Sun): NW wind 15-20 kt, seas 6-7 ft
• Tonight: NW wind 15-20 kt, seas 5-7 ft
• Monday: NW wind 10-15 kt, seas 5-6 ft (improving)
• Tuesday: NW wind 15-20 kt, seas 6-9 ft

What's Biting (when conditions allow):

• 🐟 Rockfish - Great when seas calm
• 🐡 Lingcod - Strong action expected to resume
• 🦈 Halibut - Good prospects along beaches

Best Bets:

• Wait for conditions to improve (Monday/Tuesday)
• Cayucos Pier for pier fishing when winds calm
• Check charter status before booking

Tips: The rough weather is keeping fish slightly deeper. When conditions improve, focus on early morning trips for calmer seas.

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🌊 Tide Schedule - Morro Bay (September 20)

Note: Tide data from NOAA

Time	Tide	Height
1:35 AM	Low	1.0 ft
9:36 AM	High	9.4 ft
1:06 PM	Low	8.3 ft
6:41 PM	High	13.5 ft

Best Tide: High tide at 6:41 PM provides excellent evening fishing opportunity if conditions allow.

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🌙 Solunar Forecast - September 20

Period	Time	Activity
Major	5:15 AM - 7:15 AM	🟢 Prime
Minor	11:45 AM - 1:45 PM	🟡 Good
Major	5:45 PM - 7:45 PM	🟢 Prime
Minor	12:15 AM - 2:15 AM	🟡 Good

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

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📅 Extended Forecast

Monday: Conditions improving - NW winds 10-15 kt, seas 5-6 ft ✅ Good fishing Tuesday: Moderate - NW winds 15-20 kt, seas 6-9 ft - Fair Wednesday: Trending better - Light winds expected - Great fishing! Weekend: Partly cloudy, light swell - Prime time for 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 deep water
• Dropshot rigs for deep structure

Ocean:

• Wait for conditions to improve
• Rockfish leader (20-30 lb)
• Lingcod tackle (40-60 lb)
• Fresh bait (sardines, anchovies)

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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 / Lakebrief.