San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | April 2026
The report at a glance
Presentation
Trolling at a moderate pace; jigging and spooning; working shorelines and the trash racks
Other techniques
Working the shorelines and the trash racks, which can pay off when they are pumping water.
Water temperature
About 64 degrees
Water clarity
Fairly heavy algae
Water level
About 1.8 million acre-feet, rising and dropping daily but overall stable (per guide)
Weather
Wind building with an incoming storm and rain later in the week (per guide)
Advice for this week
Fish hard and cover water. The bite windows are short and hard to time. Watch the wind and stay safe when it climbs. Never give up.
What is changing
Bite improving slightly; heavy algae working in the fish's favor; wind, storm and rain moving in later in the week.
Next week
Expect improvement as the April to May transition settles. Warmer, more stable conditions should tighten up the striped bass bite.
Notable catch
A 40-inch striped bass right at 30 pounds, the biggest of the year so far, landed by Sonny Johansen at about 60 feet after a 15+ minute fight, then released.
San Luis Reservoir stripers are fishing moderate but improving in April, and the trophies are here. Roger George's group landed a 40-inch, 30-pound striper at about 60 feet. Water holds around 64 degrees with heavy algae and the lake near 1.8 million acre-feet. Trolling is moderate, while jigging and spooning produce at times. Cover ground and fish the bite windows.
What is biting at San Luis Reservoir right now?
Striped bass, and some big ones. Capt. Roger George's group landed a 40-inch, roughly 30-pound striper this trip, the biggest of their year so far. The fish are fat and in great shape. April fishing has been moderate but Roger expects it to improve.
How deep are the San Luis stripers in April?
The 30-pound trophy came from about 60 feet. Fish are spread out and you have to find them. Guys are still working the shores and the trash racks when water is pumping, but otherwise you need to cover ground to locate active fish.
What techniques are working at San Luis in April?
Trolling has been moderate. Jigging and spooning have worked at times when you get on groups of fish. The bite windows can be short and hard to find, so experienced anglers who fish hard and cover water do best.
What are the water conditions at San Luis Reservoir?
Water temperature is holding around 64 degrees with fairly heavy algae, which Roger thinks actually helps the fish. The lake sits near 1.8 million acre-feet, rising and falling daily, and wind can jump to 40 mph, so plan carefully.
What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?
Roger expects the striper bite to improve through the April into May transition, though wind becomes a bigger factor. With some stability in lake level, he is optimistic. Specific lures were not named in this report.
Watch the full report
San Luis Reservoir April 2026 FAQ
Roger's group landed a 40-inch, roughly 30-pound striper on this April trip.
At about 60 feet.
About 64 degrees, with fairly heavy algae in the lake.
Trolling has been moderate, while jigging and spooning produce at times on groups of fish.
About 1.8 million acre-feet, going up and down on a daily basis.
A specific lure was not named in this report.
