O'Neill Forebay
Merced County Bass, Catfish, Sunfish, Carp
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O'Neill Forebay Fishing Overview

Water Description

O'Neill Forebay, located next to the massive San Luis Reservoir, may be smaller in size but it packs a big punch when it comes to fishing for striped bass. This lake has gained recognition as a top striped bass destination, with multiple fly-fishing line-class world records. Aside from the impressive striped bass fishery, O’Neill also features good fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Fall is considered the best time to fish at O'Neill Forebay for stripers, typically starting in late October when the cooler weather brings the fish...

O'Neill Forebay, located next to the massive San Luis Reservoir, may be smaller in size but it packs a big punch when it comes to fishing for striped bass. This lake has gained recognition as a top striped bass destination, with multiple fly-fishing line-class world records. Aside from the impressive striped bass fishery, O’Neill also features good fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.

Fall is considered the best time to fish at O'Neill Forebay for stripers, typically starting in late October when the cooler weather brings the fish to the surface. Typically, this is when the biggest fish are caught.

It's worth noting that O'Neill Forebay can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, throughout the warmer months.

Species:
Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Common Carp, Bluegill
Trophy Fish:
  • Striped Bass: 67 lb 8 oz (1992)
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating. Be aware of speed restrictions. Boats are prohibited at North Beach
Geography:
Surface Area: 2,250 acres
Surface Elevation: 225 ft
Trip Report
75°F with Light Breeze
Mixed

Went to the Forebay with my son. He caught a 16" striper, too small. I caught a 3 lb Largemouth 18" both on top water lures.

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Good Striped Bass bite
Striped Bass

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...

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.

6 anglers found this report useful
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Nearby Reports

Went for a quick trip this morning. Water level is getting pretty low. Fished 108 up to Kennedy Meadows. Caught and released 17. Bite was a little slower than usual.

Went up around Kennedy Meadows area working up and down the river with my son and daughter for almost 2 days. Caught and released 146 between the 3 of us. Dad is still tops on...

O'Neill Forebay Weather

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