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.
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.
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 Date | Species | Source | Total Pounds |
3-17-2025 | Rainbow Trout | CDFW | |
2-24-2025 | Rainbow Trout | CDFW | |
1-13-2025 | Rainbow Trout | CDFW | |
12-08-2024 | Rainbow Trout | CDFW | |
6-17-2024 | Rainbow Trout | CDFW |
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


www.NorCalFishReports.com © 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Website Hosting and Design provided by TECK.net
Website Hosting and Design provided by TECK.net