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San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | July 21, 2025
2025-07-21

San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | July 21, 2025

Merced County
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
San Luis
Not specified

Water Conditions

Weather
Weather
Unstable with frequent west winds; mornings windy, afternoons calmer but wind picks back up later in the day
Water Temp
Water Temp
Not specified
Water Clarity
Water Clarity
Not specified
Water Flow
Water Flow
Dropping dramatically—down nearly 100 vertical feet and about one million acre-feet since April. Recent drop of about 1 to 1.5 feet per day over the last week and a half.

Fishing Overview

Target Species
Not specified
Depth Range
Around 70 feet (trolling depth)
Presentation
Trolling at 70 feet; vertical jigging with small jigs also produced some bites but not consistent
Best Time
Not specified
Successful Lures
Small vertical jigs, trolling lures
Other Techniques
Covering flats by trolling

Guide’s Tips & Notes

Advice for This Week
Consider waiting for more stable conditions; trolling to cover water is currently the best method; if fish aren’t biting, move on and keep searching. Small jigs may work occasionally but no consistent success.
Changes We’re Seeing
Dramatic water level drops causing fish to scatter and behave protectively in globs rather than schools; unstable weather with wind making fishing difficult; fish appear to have recently spawned.
Predictions for Next Week
Cooling weather and persistent wind expected; hoping for lake stabilization, water inflow, and calmer winds to improve fishing conditions.

Recommended Gear for This Trip

Max Wiggle Rings™ - Double Hook

Regular price $4.50 USD
Sale price $4.50 USD Regular price

Anglers have trusted the Wedding Ring lure since the 1950s as a go-to for landing trout and kokanee. Now, meet the Trigger Ring—our Catch America twist on this timeless classic. We’ve upgraded the design with individually strung beads for more natural movement, doubled up the iconic rings for extra flash, and added an action disc to bring serious motion to your presentation. Each is equipped with x2 #6 hook and strung on a 60inch Leader of 12lbs Fluorocarbon Line. Stock up today and get ready to hit your limit fast!

Anchovy Bait Head – 2 Pack

Regular price From $8.00 USD
Sale price From $8.00 USD Regular price $10.66 USD

Maximize your catch with the Catch America Classic Anchovy Bait Head, featuring UV Blue Violet Jelly Fish technology for unmatched visibility and a lifelike wounded baitfish roll that triggers aggressive strikes.

Includes: 2 bait heads per pack.

Trigger Spoon

Regular price $5.10 USD
Sale price $5.10 USD Regular price $5.99 USD

The Trigger Spoon by Catch America is engineered to ignite aggressive strikes from trout and landlocked salmon. Featuring a tight wobble and intense vibration, this 2 1/4-inch precision-tuned spoon mimics baitfish like threadfin shad and pond smelt. Finished with genuine silver, copper, and 24K gold plating, it delivers maximum flash, attraction, and durability.

Popped-Eyed

Regular price $4.10 USD
Sale price $4.10 USD Regular price $6.90 USD

The Popped-Eyed Spoon by Catch America is a premium all-brass flutter spoon with an exclusive 24K gold-plated finish for maximum flash and attraction. Its unique popped-eye design enhances movement, making it an essential lure for targeting trout and salmon. Custom-tune it for the perfect trolling action and dominate the water.

Speed Spoon

Regular price $4.47 USD
Sale price $4.47 USD Regular price $5.25 USD

The Speed Spoon by Catch America is built for power trolling, designed to mimic the erratic movement of a wounded baitfish. At 2 ½ inches and ½ ounce, this premium spoon delivers an aggressive kick and intense vibration, making it deadly for trout, kings, and other hard-charging predators. Plated in genuine silver, copper, or 24K gold, it provides maximum flash, durability, and fish-triggering action. Troll it. Cast it. Jig it. Just don’t slow down.