Fishing in San Luis Obispo County

Looking to reel in a big catch? Search no further. Both freshwater and ocean fishing are options in SLO CAL.
 
For freshwater fishing, head to Lopez Lake, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Arroyo Grande. Cast your line into the nearly 1,000 acres (4 square kilometers) of lake surface, and in the warmer months, find crappie, redear sunfish and largemouth and smallmouth bass. In the cooler months, you’ll catch regular rainbow trout plants. At dusk and dawn throughout the year, anglers frequently reel in catfish that weigh more than 25 pounds (11 kilograms).   

Discover more freshwater fishing at Santa Margarita Lake. Fish from shore, or cast a line from a boat or canoe. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear, catfish and trout are common catches. The cooler months also bring trout plants.
 
Eager to try your hand at ocean fishing? Gather your supplies, journey to Highway 1, and cast a line directly into the surf at one of SLO CAL’s beaches (fishing license required), or fish from one of SLO CAL’s piers, no license needed. Pismo Beach Pier and the Harford Pier in Avila Beach are favorite fishing spots. To make the most of your pier fishing expedition, take note of the tides that day—the types of fish caught will vary not only on the time of year and where on the pier you fish, but on the tide as well. No matter how many fish you catch, fishing off SLO CAL’s piers is a memorable experience, one that invites you to slow down and enjoy the incredible coastal scenery as you master the art of fishing.  
 
For deep sea fishing, check out one of the many boat tour companies in SLO CAL. Skilled fishermen will take you out to where the fish are during half-day or full-day excursions and provide as much guidance as needed. All levels of angling experience are welcome on fishing tours.