Fishing

QUAGGA MUSSEL NOTICE:  The following link will provide information regarding invasive species that could affect Lopez Lake and Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Areas.  | California Department of Fish & Wildlife

Lopez Lake Recreation Area

Fishing is an all-year activity at Lopez.  Crappie, red-ear sunfish, and largemouth and smallmouth bass provide the best angling in warmer months. Catfish have exceeded 25 pounds in Lopez Lake and are easily caught at dusk and dawn year round.

Lopez Lake is just ten miles east of Arroyo Grande off Hwy 101 about half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Many Central Coast visitors make Lopez Lake a staging area for visits to wineries, golf courses, historic sites, and Hearst Castle—all easy drives from Lopez Lake.

Contact / Information
Lopez Lake Marina Store 805.489.1006
Park Ranger Office 805.788.2385

Santa Margarita Lake Recreation Area

Cast your line into Santa Margarita Lake and you’ll find largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear and catfish. Fishing is good from shore or try your luck from a boat or canoe. Though noted for its excellent fishing and peaceful boating, the park also hosts a vast range of hiking and riding trails which offer breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Santa Margarita Lake is approximately seven miles southeast of Hwy 101 and Hwy 58 near the town of Santa Margarita. With thousands of acres of unspoiled open space, the park is home to countless species of plants and wildlife making it the perfect location for nature study, boating and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy other activities along the central coast including historic sites, golf courses, wineries and Hearst Castle – all a short drive from Santa Margarita Lake.

Contact / Information
Marina Point Store 805.438.1522
Store Hours: Please call for most updated hours. Typically around the same time the front gates open and close.
The store is being operated by Rocky Mountain Recreation Company.