2025-07-21
San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | July 21, 2025
Merced County
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San Luis
Not specified
Water Conditions
Weather
Unstable with frequent west winds; mornings windy, afternoons calmer but wind picks back up later in the day
Water Temp
Not specified
Water Clarity
Not specified
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.