San Luis Reservoir
Merced County Bass, Catfish
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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
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.

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Hot Striped Bass bite
Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass

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...

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.

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Nearby Reports

Caught and released 60 before 11am. All were caught along Clark’s Fork by my son and I. Also tried the main river going up to Kennedy Meadows along highway 108. Main river is...

San Luis Reservoir Weather

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