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
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.

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Fair Striped Bass bite
Striped Bass
Stained

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...

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.

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Nearby 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...

Fished from Clark’s fork up through Kennedy meadows. Caught and released 35. Main river is in good shape, Clark’s fork is getting a little low.

O'Neill Forebay Weather

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