SLO County Fishing Report — September 22, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for September 22nd, 2026.

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Tuesday brings active ocean conditions with a fresh NW wind and elevated seas. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect, so exercise caution if heading out on the water. The lakes remain in good shape for late-season bass fishing as we approach fall.

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟢 Great Water Level: ~760 ft MSL (typical late summer pool) Water Temp: 68-72°F

Bass fishing remains excellent as the warm late-summer water keeps fish active throughout the day. Early morning and late evening provide 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: Healthy for late summer 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. 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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🌊 Ocean Fishing - Morro Bay

Status: 🟡 Caution - Small Craft Advisory Conditions: Strong NW winds, rough seas Water Temp: 66°F (19.2°C from Buoy 46011) Wave Height: 8-11 ft (2.4-3.4m)

Caution: A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through late tonight. Exercise caution or consider postponing offshore trips.

Despite the rough conditions, rockfish and lingcod fishing has been excellent when boats have been able to get out. The elevated seas are keeping some anglers shore-bound, but those who made it out reported limits.

Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Pt Conception):

• Wind: NNW (330-340°) at 5-6 m/s, gusting to 7-8 m/s (~11-18 mph)
• Wave Height: ~4-5 ft (1.2-1.4m) - building to 8-11 ft this afternoon
• Water Temp: 66°F (19.2°C)
• Air Temp: 60-63°F (16-17°C)
• Pressure: 1014 hPa (steady)

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 when conditions allow

Salmon Season: Currently open! Some boats reporting success.

Charter Report - Morro Bay Landing:

"Rough conditions but the fish are biting! Limits of rockfish and some nice lingcod when we could get to the grounds."

Best Bets:

• Bottom fishing over rocky structure (60-150 ft) - when conditions allow
• Drift fishing along the drop-offs
• Cayucos Pier for halibut (surf fishing)

Tips: Wait for conditions to improve mid-week. Wednesday night into Thursday looks calmer. Morning trips best for calmer seas.

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🌊 Tide Schedule - Morro Bay (September 22)

Note: Tide data from tidetime.org

Time	Tide	Height
3:01 AM	Low	0.5 ft
9:42 AM	High	10.3 ft
2:47 PM	Low	6.8 ft
8:26 PM	High	13.9 ft

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

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🌙 Solunar Forecast - September 22

Period	Time	Activity
Major	5:30 AM - 7:30 AM	🟢 Prime
Minor	9:42 AM - 11:42 AM	🟡 Good
Major	8:26 PM - 10:26 PM	🟢 Prime
Minor	2:47 PM - 4:47 PM	🟡 Good

Best Times: Early morning (5-7 AM) and evening (8-10 PM) for best fishing!

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📅 Extended Forecast

Wednesday: NW 15-20 kt, seas 8-9 ft - Still rough Thursday: NW 10-15 kt, seas 5-6 ft - Much Better! Excellent fishing conditions Friday: NW 10-15 kt, seas 7-9 ft - Improving Weekend: Moderate conditions - Good for ocean fishing

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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. Tide data from tidetime.org.