Merced County Fishing Reports

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.

The bite at San Luis Reservoir is hot right now for stripers, especially in the coves where fish are stacked up and feeding aggressively. Bait boils are so frequent that you can skip the fish finder and go straight to where you see the action. Super Spooks and jerkbaits are all catching fish. Shad colors are the best, but those with slightly faded color variations (yellow, orange, bright blue) are getting the most action. Keepers are common up to 20-22 inches. A few largemouth bass are also being picked up on crankbaits and the same striper lures.