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San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | June 9, 2025

Report by Roger George
Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and fishes San Luis Reservoir for striped bass.
What is working right now

The San Luis Reservoir striper bite is tough in early June 2025, with heavy algae and low visibility scattering the fish. Quality is still there, with fish up to 8 pounds and a recent trip of 15 fish from 21 inches to 8 pounds. Roger George trolls diving lures with rattles about 120 feet behind the boat at 2.2 mph, on 20 to 25 pound line and 9-foot rods.

How is the striper bite at San Luis Reservoir right now?

Tough and slow, with heavy algae and low visibility scattering the fish. Roger George still put together 15 fish on a recent trip, ranging from 21 inches up to 8 pounds. Persistence and covering water are key.

What lures are working at San Luis Reservoir?

Diving lures with rattles that cut through the algae. Roger George names a 5-inch Smithwick, the 128 Lucky Craft, and Bomber Long As, which are not carried by Catch America. The rattle and turbulence help fish find the lure in dirty water.

How does Roger George troll for San Luis stripers?

He runs the lures about 120 feet behind the boat at about 2.2 miles per hour, getting them down to where he marks fish. That lets him check whether the fish will commit and whether he has the right color.

What rod, reel, and line does Roger George use?

A longer 9-foot rod for extra bend and hook-holding on big fish, 20 to 25 pound Trilene Big Game line since the fish are not line shy, and spinning reels. He has landed fish up to 43 pounds on spinning gear.

What are the conditions at San Luis Reservoir?

Algae is heavy and visibility is low, making the bite difficult and the fish scattered. Even so, quality fish up to 8 pounds are being caught by staying persistent and working the water hard.

Watch the full report

From the report (Roger George): The type of lures I'm using, like a 5-inch Smithwick, the 128 Lucky Craft, and Bomber Long As. Running these about 120 feet behind the boat, about 2.2 miles an hour. I'm using 20-25 pound test, Trilene Big Game. We ended up with 15 fish, from 21 inches up to 8 pounds. The bite was very slow, very difficult, but we managed to make the day work.

San Luis Reservoir June 9, 2025 FAQ

Why is the San Luis striper bite tough in June 2025?

Heavy algae and low visibility have the fish scattered and slow, per Roger George.

How far back should I troll at San Luis?

About 120 feet behind the boat at roughly 2.2 miles per hour.

What lures cut through the algae at San Luis?

Diving lures with rattles, such as a 5-inch Smithwick, a 128 Lucky Craft, or a Bomber Long A.

What line does Roger George use for stripers?

20 to 25 pound Trilene Big Game, since the fish are not line shy.

Can you catch big San Luis stripers on spinning reels?

Yes. Roger George fishes spinning reels almost exclusively and has landed fish up to 43 pounds.

How big are the fish being caught?

On a recent trip, 15 fish from 21 inches up to 8 pounds.

Tags: roger-george san-luis-reservoir striped-bass
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San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | July 27, 2026

Report by Capt. Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and is the exclusive guide on San Luis Reservoir. Reach him at (559) 905-2954 to book a trip. What is working right now San Luis Reservoir is fishing up and down in late July 2026 as heavy wind stirs algae and holds the water temperature at 71 degrees. Capt. Roger George is trolling the main lake flats in 60 to 80 feet of water at 2.2 to 2.4 mph, running lures 120 to 140 feet behind the boat. White belly and chartreuse are the top colors. One recent trip landed fish of 14, 21, and 27 pounds. What is biting at San Luis Reservoir right now?The bite is up and down as constant wind churns the lake. Capt. Roger George had an epic recent trip with guest Bob McGill, landing fish of 14, 21, and 27 pounds, then a tough follow-up trip. Big fish are still figuring out where the bait has moved. The report did not name a specific target species. What depth are the fish holding at San Luis Reservoir in late July?Roger is fishing the main lake flats that run about 70 feet deep, trolling in water 60 to 80 feet deep. As the surface warms toward 80 degrees over the next week, expect fish to slide deeper, likely down to 70 to 80 feet. Watch your sonar daily since depth shifts with wind and overcast. What lure colors are working at San Luis Reservoir?White belly patterns are helping out right now, and chartreuse is producing as well. Colors can change day to day with the wind and light, so Roger's rule is to let the fish tell you what they want rather than committing to one pattern. Specific lure models were not named in this report. How is Roger George rigging and trolling at San Luis Reservoir?He is trolling 2.2 to 2.4 mph and letting lures back 120, 130, and 140 feet behind the boat, running through water 60 to 80 feet deep on the main lake flats. He leans on his sonar to find the depth fish are holding at and whether they are active before committing to a zone. What are conditions like at San Luis Reservoir?The lake is holding stable near 50 percent, with water being pumped in and out, which stirs in grass, debris, and algae. Water temperature is only 71 degrees, well below normal. Heavy wind is the biggest factor, and shore anglers have been doing a little better than boaters because wind limits boat time. What is the guide's outlook for San Luis Reservoir?Roger expects temperatures to rise toward 80 degrees over the next week, which should move fish deeper and change the pattern again. His forecast is decent fishing coming up if you can handle the summer heat. Water clarity beyond the algae mixing was not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Roger George): We're running 2.2, 2.4 mph and we're putting back 120, 130, 140 ft behind the boat and running it in water that's like 60 to 80 ft deep. White bellies right now seem to be helping out. Chartreuse is working as well as the white, but that could change tomorrow. Once again, let the fish tell you what's happening. San Luis Reservoir July 27, 2026 FAQ What is the water temperature at San Luis Reservoir?Water temperature is 71 degrees, well below normal for late July, held down by heavy wind. Roger expects it to rise toward almost 80 degrees over the following week. What lake level is San Luis Reservoir at?The lake is holding stable around 50 percent, with water being pumped in and taken out, which is normal for this time of year and stirs in grass and debris. How fast should you troll at San Luis Reservoir?Roger is trolling 2.2 to 2.4 mph on the main lake flats. How far behind the boat should you run lures at San Luis Reservoir?He is letting lures back 120, 130, and 140 feet behind the boat in 60 to 80 feet of water. What lure colors are working at San Luis Reservoir?White belly patterns and chartreuse are the top colors right now, though Roger says colors can change day to day. Are shore anglers or boaters doing better at San Luis Reservoir?Shore anglers have been doing a little better than boaters because the constant wind limits how and when boats can fish, while shore anglers can fish earlier and later. What size fish are being caught at San Luis Reservoir?One recent trip produced fish of 14, 21, and 27 pounds, though the next trip was much tougher. The specific species was not named in this report. Who guides San Luis Reservoir?Capt. Roger George of Roger George Guide Service, the exclusive guide on San Luis Reservoir. Call (559) 905-2954 to book. Shop the Tackle Trolling Spoons Striped Bass Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear

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