San Luis Reservoir
Merced County Bass, Catfish
101 Share
What's Biting - 1 week ago
Striped Bass
Hot
Bass
Good

San Luis Reservoir Fishing Overview

Water Description

San Luis Reservoir is a vast, almost square-shaped body of water situated at the fringe of the San Joaquin Valley. Its primary function is to store water for the California Aqueduct, and as a result, it's typical for the water level to decrease significantly from the summer into the fall. Warm water species dominate the lake. Striped bass are plentiful, though typically on the smaller side as most fish are pumped in through the delta. But don’t be shocked if you hook into a 20 - 30lber. They do roam this massive body of water. The lake is...

San Luis Reservoir is a vast, almost square-shaped body of water situated at the fringe of the San Joaquin Valley. Its primary function is to store water for the California Aqueduct, and as a result, it's typical for the water level to decrease significantly from the summer into the fall.

Warm water species dominate the lake. Striped bass are plentiful, though typically on the smaller side as most fish are pumped in through the delta. But don’t be shocked if you hook into a 20 - 30lber. They do roam this massive body of water.

The lake is predominantly home to warm water species. Striped bass are abundant, and although many of them are on the smaller side—mainly because most are pumped in through the delta—anglers shouldn't be surprised to encounter a 20-30 pound specimen in this expansive lake.

In addition to striped bass, the San Luis Reservoir also houses populations of largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. While it's possible to fish from the shore, using a boat grants anglers better access to the best fishing spots.

During spring and early summer, the reservoir can experience intense winds, swiftly transforming a serene day into one with perilous waters. It's crucial for boaters to remain vigilant and heed wind warning signals and alerts, ensuring they vacate the water when advised.

Species:
Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie
Forage / Baitfish:
Shad
Structure / Terrain:
Points, Steep Banks
Geography:
Max Depth: 270 ft
Surface Area: 12,697 acres
Surface Elevation: 544 ft
Hot Striped Bass bite
Bass, Striped Bass
76°F Slightly Stained

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...

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.

3 anglers found this report useful
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Good Striped Bass bite
Striped Bass
71°F Clear

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...

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.

3 anglers found this report useful
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Nearby Reports

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.

Fished along highway 108 again up to Kennedy meadows. River just a little high still, caught and released 21. Bite was a little slower than June.

San Luis Reservoir Weather

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101 Share

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