SLO County Fishing Report — September 21, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for September 21st, 2026.

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Monday brings typical early-fall conditions! Expect mild temperatures with moderate NW winds, creating decent fishing conditions both on the lakes and ocean. Water temperatures are transitioning toward fall ranges—excellent for targeting aggressive feeding fish. The ocean is choppy with moderate swell, so check conditions before heading out.

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟢 Great Water Level: 745.47 ft MSL (+0.06 ft from yesterday) Water Temp: 66-70°F (estimated, cooling trend)

Bass fishing remains excellent! The early fall transition has fish feeding heavily as they prepare for winter. With water cooling, the bass are becoming more aggressive with topwater action in the mornings and deep structure during midday.

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 early fall (estimated) Water Temp: 64-68°F (estimated)

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 early fall.

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: 62-66°F (estimated)

Bass fair but holding deep during midday hours. 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 winds, moderate swell Water Temp: 66.3°F (19.1°C from Buoy 46011) Wave Height: 4.5-5.6 ft (1.4-1.7m)

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: NW (320-330°) at 5-7 m/s (~11-16 mph), gusting to 7-9 m/s
• Wave Height: 4.5-5.6 ft (1.4-1.7m)
• Wave Period: 8-9 seconds
• Water Temp: 66.3°F (19.1°C)
• Air Temp: 62-63°F (16.7-17.1°C)
• Pressure: 1014.2-1014.9 hPa (steady)

⚠️ 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 21)

Note: Tide data based on NOAA predictions

Time	Tide	Height
4:42 AM	High	3.6 ft
10:24 AM	Low	2.3 ft
4:54 PM	High	5.0 ft
10:48 PM	Low	1.6 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 21

Period	Time	Activity
Major	6:12 AM - 8:12 AM	🟢 Prime
Minor	12:36 PM - 2:36 PM	🟡 Good
Major	6:48 PM - 8:48 PM	🟢 Prime
Minor	1:12 AM - 3:12 AM	🟡 Good

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

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📅 Extended Forecast

Tuesday: Sunny, moderate winds - Good fishing conditions Wednesday: 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.