Santa Margarita Lake - CA

Lake Information

Fish Species: Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish
Santa Margarita Lake, also known as Salinas Reservoir, is a 1,100-acre reservoir near Santa Margarita, CA, known for quality warmwater fishing in a serene, lightly developed setting. Managed by San Luis Obispo County, the lake prohibits swimming but allows boating and year-round fishing.

The primary target species is largemouth bass. Spring and early summer are best, especially during the spawn, with soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and jigs used in shallow coves. As water temperatures rise, deeper finesse presentations become effective. Spotted bass also offer consistent action near rocky points and the dam, especially with drop-shot rigs and jerkbaits.

Crappie fishing peaks in spring, with fish congregating near submerged wood and brush. Bluegill and redear sunfish are active throughout summer and respond to worms and small jigs, making them ideal for beginners.

Channel catfish are common during warm months, particularly in deeper coves and creek arms at night. Standard baits like mackerel and liver produce best. Trout are stocked periodically in winter but are not a primary fishery.

The lake allows motorized boats, kayaks, and canoes. Shore and boat access are both available. A valid California fishing license is required.



Latest Photos

10 lbs. 9 oz.
Jason Calderon
12-30-2024
8 lbs. 6 oz.
10-27-2024
9-9-2024
3 lbs. 2 oz.
Tom
3-16-2024

Santa Margarita Lake Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Channel Catfish 23 lbs. 8 oz. 12-21-2020 View Report
Channel Catfish 22 lbs. 6-24-2019 View Report
Channel Catfish 19 lbs. 7-06-2020 View Report
Channel Catfish 17 lbs. 8 oz. 9-21-2020 View Report
Channel Catfish 15 lbs. 6-29-2020 View Report
Largemouth Bass 13 lbs. 10 oz. 1-29-2024 View Report
Largemouth Bass 10 lbs. 9 oz. 12-30-2024 View Report
Channel Catfish 9 lbs. 3-10-2019 View Report
Largemouth Bass 8 lbs. 6 oz. 10-27-2024 View Report
Largemouth Bass 8 lbs. 2 oz. 5-13-2019 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
3-17-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
2-24-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
1-13-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
12-08-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 
6-17-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
3-24-2025 The fish are biting!
The fish are biting! Beautiful day at Santa... more »
Santa Margarita Lake Staff
1-20-2025 Conditions Update
Just a FYI to all of our Awesome... more »
Santa Margarita Lake Staff
12-30-2024 10.56 lb. Bass
What way to end the year!! A 10lb... more »
Santa Margarita Lake Staff
10-27-2024 8.35 lb. Bass
Our Buddy Clint Smith had a good week!... more »
Santa Margarita Lake Staff
9-9-2024 Nice Bass at Santa Margarita Today
Alek caught this one in front of the... more »
Santa Margarita Lake Staff

Detailed Map