Merced County Fishing Reports

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.

The striper bite at O’Neill has been decent, but it’s taken effort to find fish. Stripers have been scattered in smaller groups, with surface boils rare. Most fish are solid keepers (19–22 inches), with very few undersized shakers.

Water clarity isn't great, so noisy, flashy lures have been the best. Chatterbaits are working well in grassy areas, along with loud crankbaits and even some topwater action. The fish have been hitting in small packs, not big schools, so covering water is key.

The early 4:30 PM closure is cutting off what could be a very good evening bite, but afternoons can still be productive.