San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | July 7, 2025
The report at a glance
Depth
60 to 70 feet
Presentation
Reaction trolling: run a diver or jointed diver, or a minnow lure in shad colors, down to marked fish.
Lures and baits
Diving and jointed minnow plugs in shad colors did the work.
The plugs Roger named are outside brands; match the shad pattern diver.
Shore anglers on bait are also doing okay.
Water temperature
65 degrees and up, still climbing
Water level
Water still falling but has slowed.
Weather
Wind has settled after a windy stretch; a heat wave is forecast for the coming week.
Advice for this week
Practice catch and release or selective harvest. Keep the smaller fish and release the bigger ones, and handle fish carefully in the warmer water.
What is changing
Fish are coming out of spawn mode and the bite is improving. The water is still falling but has slowed.
Next week
With the water warming into a heat wave, target the cooler 60 to 70 foot band. The improving trend should continue as fish settle into summer patterns.
Notable catch
A 26 inch striped bass boated by Roger George, shown on camera and in great shape.
San Luis Reservoir striper fishing has improved in early July 2025. Water temps are around 65 degrees and rising, and fish are coming out of spawn mode and holding mostly 60 to 70 feet deep. Roger George trolls divers and minnow-style lures in shad colors to the fish, landing a 26-incher. Practice catch and release and handle fish carefully in the warm water.
How is the striper bite at San Luis Reservoir right now?
Improved. Roger George rates it about a 3, maybe a little better. The fish are coming out of spawn mode and the wind has finally calmed down, though a brutal heat wave is on the way. Bank anglers with bait are doing okay too.
What depth are the stripers holding at San Luis?
Most fish are holding about 60 to 70 feet deep. Get your trolled lures down into that band where you mark fish, and you should do okay.
What lures are working at San Luis Reservoir?
Trolling is the play. Run a diver or jointed diver, or a minnow-style lure in shad colors, down to the fish. Roger George names brands like Lucky Craft, Smithwick, and Rapala, which are not carried by Catch America.
How should I handle San Luis stripers in warm water?
Catch and release or selective harvest is critical. If you keep fish, keep the smaller ones and let the bigger ones go. Handle them carefully and get them back quickly, especially as the water warms.
What are the conditions at San Luis Reservoir?
Water temps are 65 degrees and up. The wind that kept Roger George off the water for a week has settled, but a heat wave is coming. The lake is still falling but has slowed, and the weather looks favorable.
Watch the full report
San Luis Reservoir July 7, 2025 FAQ
Improved, rated about a 3 or a little better by Roger George, with fish coming out of spawn.
Mostly 60 to 70 feet deep.
Around 65 degrees and rising, with a heat wave expected.
Trolled divers and minnow-style lures in shad colors.
Practice catch and release or selective harvest. Keep the smaller fish and release the bigger ones, handling them carefully in warm water.
Roger George showed a nice striper of about 26 inches on the water.
