Lopez Lake
San Luis Obispo County Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Trout
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Lopez Lake Fishing Overview

Water Description

Lopez Lake, set amidst the verdant oak woodlands of central California, is a horseshoe-shaped water that offers anglers a diverse year-round fishery. Lopez Lake’s proximity to the coast keeps its waters colder than nearby reservoirs further inland. These conditions are near-ideal for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. The lake is stocked with 12-inch rainbow trout by the CDFW from late winter through early spring. As the water warms, the smallmouth bite intensifies, with the creek arms being the hot spots. Shad and crawdads congregate in these...

Lopez Lake, set amidst the verdant oak woodlands of central California, is a horseshoe-shaped water that offers anglers a diverse year-round fishery.

Lopez Lake’s proximity to the coast keeps its waters colder than nearby reservoirs further inland. These conditions are near-ideal for rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. The lake is stocked with 12-inch rainbow trout by the CDFW from late winter through early spring. As the water warms, the smallmouth bite intensifies, with the creek arms being the hot spots. Shad and crawdads congregate in these arms, attracting the bass like moths to a flame. Summer evenings can be magical for smallmouth bass, as the topwater bite can be fantastic. As the heat of summer sets in, the lake's temperature rises, and the activity of bluegill, crappie, and catfish increases.

Lopez Lake is not just for fishing; it's an aquatic playground with designated areas set aside for various water sports. Crowds can flock to the lake on warm weekends, so it's advisable to plan your fishing trips accordingly.

Species:
Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Channel Catfish
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 3 months ago - View Schedule
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating
Geography:
Max Depth: 138 ft
Surface Area: 940 acres
Surface Elevation: 560 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Good Bass bite
Bass, Blue Catfish, Crappie

With the fall transition, bass are actively feeding on shad. The best luck is coming from smaller soft plastics and shad-colored crankbaits and jerkbaits. Some folks have reported higher-quality fish drop-shotting in 20+ feet. Crappie and bluegill are still biting in shallower areas, especially near the marina. Small Rapalas, white jigs, and...

With the fall transition, bass are actively feeding on shad. The best luck is coming from smaller soft plastics and shad-colored crankbaits and jerkbaits. Some folks have reported higher-quality fish drop-shotting in 20+ feet. Crappie and bluegill are still biting in shallower areas, especially near the marina. Small Rapalas, white jigs, and redworms are working best.

4 anglers found this report useful
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Trout, Bass

No trout plants recently, but anglers are still finding healthy holdovers upwards of 3+ pounds. The bass bite has been consistent on soft-plastics, but no reports of anything large.

3 anglers found this report useful
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Latest Stockings

Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW

Other Nearby Reports

Nacimiento’s bite has been good, especially during windy conditions. Spotted bass are pushing up on rocky points and flats, and they’re eating moving baits with purpose...

Santa Margarita’s bass bite is waking up as water temps ease into the high 50s. Fish are clearly staging for prespawn with tight shallow schools and big bellies. Slowly worked...

Lopez Lake Weather

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Lopez Lake Map

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