Lopez Lake - Arroyo Grande, CA

Lake Information

Fish Species: Channel Catfish, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Smallmouth Bass, Redear Sunfish, White Crappie
Lopez Lake, situated near Arroyo Grande, CA, offers 980 surface acres of warmwater fishing in a scenic and accessible setting. The lake is particularly known for its excellent largemouth and spotted bass fisheries, as well as quality crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish.

Largemouth bass fishing peaks in spring and early summer, with anglers using plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures near tules and shallow coves. Spotted bass are caught year-round in deeper, rocky areas using finesse presentations like drop-shot rigs and Ned rigs.

Crappie fishing is best in spring, especially around submerged brush and marina docks. Bluegill and redear sunfish are active in summer and provide reliable action using worms or mealworms under bobbers. Channel catfish, which feed aggressively in the warmer months, are caught with cut bait or liver, especially during evening hours near creek inlets and deep structure.

Trout are stocked seasonally during the cooler months but are not a primary fishery. Most trout are caught near the dam using PowerBait or small lures.

Lopez Lake offers full amenities, including boat rentals, camping, and day-use areas. Shoreline and boat access are excellent. A California fishing license is required.

With its varied species and facilities, Lopez Lake is one of the most consistent and enjoyable fishing destinations along California’s Central Coast.



Latest Photos

9 lbs. 11 oz.
2-8-2025
5 lbs.
1-1-2025
8-17-2024
7-21-2024

Lopez Lake Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Channel Catfish 12 lbs. 8 oz. 11-22-2022 View Report
Channel Catfish 11 lbs. 2 oz. 3-27-2023 View Report
Largemouth Bass 9 lbs. 11 oz. 2-08-2025 View Report
Largemouth Bass 7 lbs. 13 oz. 7-21-2024 View Report
Largemouth Bass 5 lbs. 3-17-2019 View Report
Largemouth Bass 5 lbs. 4-30-2023 View Report
Rainbow Trout 5 lbs. 1-01-2025 View Report
Rainbow Trout 4 lbs. 2 oz. 5-04-2024 View Report
Rainbow Trout 2 lbs. 11 oz. 4-01-2024 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
2-25-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW2000
2-16-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW2600
1-05-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
12-16-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW350
1-02-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
2-25-2025 🚨TROUT PLANT ALERT🚨
TROUT PLANT ALERT The Department of Fish and Wildlife... more »
Lopez Lake Marina
2-8-2025 9lb.11oz. Largemouth Bass
    Saturday started out great for these boys today     9lb.11oz.... more »
Lopez Lake Marina
1-1-2025 5 lb Rainbow Trout
9 y/o Jameson Mora from Arroyo Grande with... more »
Lopez Lake Marina
10-20-2024 Lopez Lake Catch Today
Shout out to Hadyn who's having a pretty... more »
Lopez Lake Marina
8-17-2024 Nice Bass off the dock
Didn't need my boat to catch this nice... more »
Lopez Lake Marina

Detailed Map