SLO County Fishing Report — September 24, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for September 24th, 2026.

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Thursday brings improved ocean conditions compared to yesterday! The Small Craft Advisory has expired, and conditions are much calmer. Expect NW winds 10-15 kt with seas 5-7 ft - much more manageable for boat fishing. Lake conditions remain excellent with mild temperatures and comfortable fishing weather.

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: ~748 ft MSL (seasonal estimate) Water Temp: 68-72°F (estimated, based on seasonal norms)

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.

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 late September (estimated) Water Temp: 65-70°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.

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 (estimated)

Bass fair but holding deep during midday heat. 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: 🟡 Improving (Use Caution) Conditions: Advisory Expired - Better Day for Fishing Water Temp: 66-67°F (19.2°C from Buoy 46011) Wave Height: 5-7 ft (1.5-2.1 m)

Conditions have improved significantly! The Small Craft Advisory has expired. While seas are still elevated (5-7 ft), boat fishing is much more feasible today. Use caution offshore as swell energy remains.

Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Pt Conception):

• Wind: NW (320-340°) at 4-6 m/s (~9-13 mph)
• Wave Height: 5-7 ft (1.5-2.1 m)
• Wave Period: 8-9 seconds
• Water Temp: 66-67°F (19.2°C)
• Air Temp: 61-63°F (16-17°C)
• Pressure: 1011.3-1011.6 hPa (steady)

Closer Buoy Data (Buoy 46042 - San Luis Obispo):

• Wind: NW (330-340°) at 6-8 m/s (~13-18 mph)
• Wave Height: 6-8 ft (1.8-2.4 m)
• Water Temp: 61-62°F (16.4°C) - Colder upwelling

NOAA Marine Forecast - Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas:

• Today: NW wind 10-15 kt, seas 5-7 ft
• Tonight: NW wind 10-15 kt, seas 4-6 ft
• Friday: N wind 15-20 kt becoming NW 20-25 kt - Rough again

Best Bet: Get out today! Conditions are the best they've been all week. Rockfish and lingcod should be active with the improved weather.

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🌊 Tide Schedule - Morro Bay (September 24)

Note: Tide data based on NOAA predictions for Morro Bay (Station 9411406)

Time	Tide	Height
~6:15 AM	Low	~0.4 ft
~12:45 PM	High	~5.3 ft
~6:45 PM	Low	~0.5 ft

Best Tide: High tide around noon is ideal for rockfish and lingcod. Low tides in morning and evening expose structure for shore fishing.

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🌙 Solunar Forecast - September 24

Period	Time	Activity
Major	6:00 AM - 8:00 AM	🟢 Prime
Minor	12:30 PM - 2:30 PM	🟡 Good
Major	6:15 PM - 8:15 PM	🟢 Prime
Minor	12:45 AM - 2:45 AM	🟡 Good

Best Times: Early morning (6:00-8:00 AM) and evening (6:15-8:15 PM) for best fishing!

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📅 Extended Forecast

Friday: Winds increasing again, rough seas expected - Better for lake fishing Saturday: Improving conditions - Decent prospects Sunday: Moderate winds, decent ocean conditions

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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 (today):

• 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, 46042 and NOAA Marine Forecast.