Merced County Fishing Reports

Striper action is extremely hot at San Luis right now. Reports are coming in of shore casters filling up parking lots just to get their line in the water. If you can get grass shrimp, the cast and wait game is absolutely awesome, especially from folks lining up along the 152. Big fish too, with a couple 15 pounders pulled out last week. In the early mornings, both boaters and shore guys are killing 'em on topwater walking baits and jerkbaits. Overall, just an elite time right now for stripers at San Luis.

Bass guys are finding good action as well, although mostly for smaller fish in the 1-2 pound range. Any minnow imitations... jerkbaits, dropshots, swimbaits... are all getting fish fairly easily around hard structure and secondary points.

With cooler weather settling in, shad are schooling higher in the water column, and topwater action is starting to really pop. Big spooks and glide baits are drawing the better-quality fish, while smaller topwater baits and jerkbaits are putting up numbers around the boils and surface activity. Shore anglers soaking anchovies are seeing decent action as well. Water temps have dipped into the low 70s and will keep falling as the nights cool off.

O'Neill is producing a solid striper bite right now, with fish keying in on bait around grass flats and the bridge area. Topwater action has been spotty, with most fish feeding just below the surface. Bladed jigs and lipless crankbaits have been most effective, especially when ripped through grass or slow-rolled near bait schools. The LV500 has been a top producer, with both burning and yo-yo retrieves working well. Shad-patterns are getting the most attention. Covering water has been key to staying on active fish, as they are constantly roaming.