SLO County Fishing Report — September 26, 2026

Good morning, Central Coast anglers! Here's your fishing report for September 26th, 2026.

🌤️ Conditions Overview

Saturday brings fresh to strong northerly winds continuing through the weekend. A departing upper storm system will usher in near-gale force wind gusts early next week, particularly across northern outer waters. Small craft advisories remain in effect for most coastal zones. Water temperatures are warm but ocean conditions are rough—caution advised for boaters, especially beyond 10 nautical miles from shore.

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🏞️ Lake Fishing Reports

Lake Nacimiento

Status: 🟢 Great Water Level: ~745 ft MSL (seasonal typical level) Water Temp: 68-72°F (estimated, late September norms)

Bass fishing remains excellent! The warm late-September water keeps 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. The bass are keying on shad—try small swimbaits and spinnerbaits!

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Lopez Lake

Status: 🟢 Good Water Level: ~82% capacity (seasonal typical) 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. The lake is in great shape for fall fishing.

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. Good lake levels for fall.

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: Strong winds, moderate to large swell Water Temp: 66°F (18.9°C from Buoy 46011) Wave Height: 7-9 ft (building)

⚠️ Small Craft Advisory in effect through Monday morning! The fresh to strong northerly winds will make for hazardous boating conditions, especially beyond 10 nautical miles. Check conditions before heading out.

Current Ocean Data (Buoy 46011 - Pt Conception):

• Wind: NNW at 9-10 m/s (20-22 mph), gusting to 11-13 m/s (25-29 mph)
• Wave Height: 2.5-2.8 m (8-9 ft)
• Wave Period: 7-8 seconds
• Water Temp: 66°F (18.9°C)
• Air Temp: 63-64°F (17-18°C)
• Pressure: 1012.0-1012.7 hPa (steady)

NOAA Marine Forecast - Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas:

• Today: NW wind 15-20 kt, seas 7-8 ft
• Tonight: NW wind 15-20 kt, seas 7-8 ft
• Sunday: NW wind 15-20 kt, seas 6-7 ft

⚠️ Advisory: Small craft advisory in effect through Monday morning. Rough conditions on the water—exercise caution or plan a later start. Near-gale force winds expected Sunday night into Monday.

What's Biting:

• 🐟 Rockfish - Good action over rocky structure (60-150 ft)
• 🐡 Lingcod - Strong action, fish to 8+ lbs reported
• 🦈 Halibut - Good prospects along the beaches and at Cayucos Pier

Charter Report - Morro Bay Landing:

"Rockfish doing well despite the choppy conditions. Lingcod hitting big swimbaits hard. Recommend morning trips before the wind picks up. We've been limiting out on quality fish!"

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 offer calmer seas before the wind builds. The warm water has fish active all day.

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🌊 Tide Schedule - Morro Bay (September 26)

Note: Tide times approximate based on NOAA predictions

Time	Tide	Height
5:48 AM	High	~4.2 ft
11:42 AM	Low	~1.5 ft
6:06 PM	High	~5.4 ft
12:06 AM	Low	~0.9 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 26

Period	Time	Activity
Major	6:52 AM - 8:52 AM	🟢 Prime
Minor	1:22 PM - 3:22 PM	🟡 Good
Major	7:25 PM - 9:25 PM	🟢 Prime
Minor	1:55 AM - 3:55 AM	🟡 Good

Best Times: Early morning (6:30-8:30 AM) and evening (7:00-9:00 PM) for best fishing!

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📅 Extended Forecast

Sunday: Sunny, strong NW winds - Rough conditions, small craft advisory likely Monday: Near-gale winds - Check marine forecast before heading out Next Week: Building southerly swell from tropical activity - conditions may improve mid-week

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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 and NOAA Marine Forecast. Lake level data estimated based on seasonal patterns.