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San Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | October 2025
Report by Capt. Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and is the exclusive State Park guide at San Luis Reservoir, specializing in trophy stripers over 20 pounds. What is working right now Striper fishing at San Luis Reservoir is slow through the October 2025 full moon and likely stays that way for the rest of the week. The lake is stable near 50 percent, about 1.1 million acre-feet. Troll the 50 to 70 foot range at about 2.2 mph with 5 to 6 inch plugs run 100 to 120 feet behind the boat. Stripers are chasing faster baits right now, so speed your presentation up. What is biting at San Luis Reservoir right now?Striped bass are the target and the bite is fairly slow, tied to the full moon. Capt. Roger George expects it to stay slow for the rest of the week. The lake has stabilized near 50 percent capacity, roughly 1.1 million acre-feet, with steady inflow helping pattern the fish. What depth are stripers holding at San Luis Reservoir?Troll the 50, 60, and 70 foot range, which has been most productive. Run your lures 100 to 120 feet behind the boat at about 2.2 mph. Stable water levels and settling temperatures are helping keep the fish patterned in that band right now. What lures are working for San Luis stripers?Run 5 to 6 inch plugs such as Rapala, Lucky Craft, Smithwick, and Yo-Zuri baits, plus Missouri minnows, 100 to 120 feet back at 2.2 mph. Catch America does not carry these plugs, so match the size and profile from your own box. Speeding up the retrieve is paying off. How should I present baits for stripers right now?Work plugs and jigs faster than usual. Roger George says the stripers are chasing everything, so match that faster action and speed your presentation up. Keep baits 100 to 120 feet behind the boat around 2.2 mph in the 50 to 70 foot zone. When is the best striper bite around the full moon?The best window is three to four days before a full moon, and the day of the full moon can be good too. The days right after tend to slow down, since the stripers have fed and sit suspended for a couple of days. Fish the front side of the moon. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Roger George): The fishing has been fairly slow, and it is going to continue probably for the rest of the week with this full moon. As far as trolling, the 50, 60, 70 foot range has been good. I usually get back about 100, 120 feet behind the boat with things like Rapalas, Lucky Craft, Smithwick, Yo-Zuri, a lot of those five, six inch lures at about 2.2 miles per hour. They are chasing everything right now, so going faster might just serve you well. San Luis Reservoir October 2025 FAQ Why is striper fishing slow at San Luis Reservoir this week?A full moon phase is slowing the bite, and Roger George expects it to stay slow for the rest of the week. Stripers tend to feed hard before the full moon and then sit suspended for a couple of days after. What is the water level at San Luis Reservoir right now?The lake is right around 1.1 million acre-feet, about 50 percent capacity, and starting to stabilize with only a couple of inches of change per day, which helps pattern the fish. What trolling speed works for San Luis stripers?About 2.2 mph, with lures run 100 to 120 feet behind the boat. Roger George also suggests working plugs and jigs faster right now, since the stripers are chasing faster baits. What depth should I troll for stripers at San Luis?The 50, 60, and 70 foot range has been most productive this week. What size lures for San Luis stripers?Five to six inch plugs like Rapala, Lucky Craft, Smithwick, and Yo-Zuri, plus Missouri minnows. These are not Catch America products, so match the profile from your own gear. When is the best time to fish around a full moon for stripers?Three to four days before the full moon, and often the day of the full moon. The days after usually fish poorly for stripers. Who guides San Luis Reservoir?Capt. Roger George of Roger George Guide Service, the exclusive State Park guide at San Luis, with over 12 years on the lake targeting trophy stripers. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | September 29, 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 San Luis Reservoir striper fishing is slow in late September 2025, rated about 3 out of 10 by Roger George. The lake is rising a foot or more a day and sits at 51 percent, spreading fish over new water. Stripers are mainly in the main lake, sometimes shallow at 30 to 40 feet, but often near deeper water, points, and structure. Big fish are around, including a 38-inch, 23-pound release. How is the striper bite at San Luis Reservoir right now?Slow, rated about 3 out of 10 by Roger George. Numbers have been tough for trollers, jiggers, topwater anglers, and bait fishermen alike. The biggest challenge is simply finding the fish this year. Where are the stripers holding at San Luis Reservoir?Mostly out in the main lake. They can be shallow at 30 to 40 feet, but a lot are hanging near deeper water, on points, and on structure. Those deeper edges have been working better. Why is San Luis so hard to fish right now?The lake is rising a foot to a foot and a quarter a day and sits around 51 percent, covering foliage and new areas. That draws minnows and scatters the stripers. Algae is still fairly high, making the fish hard to locate. Are there still big stripers at San Luis Reservoir?Yes. Roger George landed a 38-inch striper weighing about 23 pounds, released on a Seaqualizer. Vent the fish and get it back to depth quickly to release it healthy. Numbers are down, but quality fish are there. What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?Roger George hopes the bite improves as the fall cool-down sets in, which is what striper fishing is usually known for. For now it is a grind and a hunt every trip. Watch the full report From the report (Roger George): The level of the lake right now is about 83 feet from the top, so it's about 51%. We're covering a lot of new area as the lake spreads out. Lately, the fish have been holding pretty much out in the main lake. Sometimes they can be shallow, 30, 40 feet, but a lot of them are hanging out near deeper water, on points, on structure. Overall, the bite has been just like a three out of 10. San Luis Reservoir September 29, 2025 FAQ How would the guide rate San Luis striper fishing right now?About a three out of ten, per Roger George. Numbers are slow for every method. What percent full is San Luis Reservoir?About 51 percent, roughly 83 feet down from the top, and rising a foot or more per day. What depth are San Luis stripers holding?Sometimes shallow at 30 to 40 feet, but often near deeper water on points and structure. How big are the stripers being caught?Big fish are around, including a 38-inch striper of about 23 pounds released by Roger George. How should I release a big striper at San Luis?Quickly. Use a release tool like a Seaqualizer to vent the bladder and return the fish to depth fast. What lures is Roger George using?Specific lures and colors were not specified in this report. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | September 22, 2025
Report by Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and targets striped bass on San Luis Reservoir. What is working right now San Luis Reservoir striper fishing has been tough and on-again, off-again in late September 2025, with wind, temperature swings, and rising water moving fish daily. Work spoons and jigs on schools around 70 to 80 feet, or troll 5 to 7 inch stick baits 120 feet back on a downrigger at 2.2 to 2.5 mph. Roger George put one client on an 18.5-pound striper. How is San Luis Reservoir fishing right now?Tough. Numbers are hard to come by as the reservoir moves into fall. Wind, rising water temperatures, and incoming water have the striper bite on again, off again. Roger George rates it about a two or three out of ten, so be ready to search and cover ground to find fish. What depth are San Luis stripers holding?Fish are being worked around 70 to 80 feet on schools, with the day's better striper coming from about 70 feet. Coves are starting to become more defined and fish are moving in, but the main lake is where most anglers are focusing right now. What lures and trolling setup work at San Luis?Use spoons and jigs on schools, with 1-ounce dust-style spoons working well. For trolling, run 5 to 7 inch lures like Rapala, Smithwick, and Yo-Zuri, either jointed or straight stick baits, about 120 feet behind the boat on a downrigger at 2.2 to 2.5 mph on 20 to 25 pound mono. These are not Catch America products. How big are the San Luis stripers?Quality is there when you find them. Roger's group landed an 18.5-pound, 36.5-inch striper working about 70 feet, plus another near 30 inches at right around 10 pounds. It took a lot of work and moving from spot to spot to earn those fish. What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?Roger expects fall to become an awesome time once conditions stabilize. For now the lake is changing almost daily, so plan to search. Water temperatures were 72 in the morning rising to 75 to 76 degrees. The lake was taking on water on and off. Watch the full report From the report (Roger George): The bite at San Luis has been difficult. Numbers have been hard to come by. We ended up with an 18.5 lb, beautiful 36.5-inch striper that we got working about 70 feet. I'm running them about 120 feet behind the boat on the downrigger at about 2.2 mph, using 20-25 lb test monofilament. San Luis Reservoir September 22, 2025 FAQ How deep are San Luis Reservoir stripers?Around 70 to 80 feet on schools, with the better fish from about 70 feet. What trolling speed works at San Luis?About 2.2 to 2.5 mph, with lures 120 feet behind the boat on a downrigger. How big were the San Luis stripers this week?An 18.5-pound, 36.5-inch striper plus another close to 10 pounds. What water temperature is San Luis Reservoir?About 72 degrees in the morning, rising to 75 to 76 degrees. What line does Roger use for San Luis stripers?20 to 25 pound test monofilament. Where are the fish holding at San Luis now?Mostly the main lake, with fish starting to move into more defined coves. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | September 15, 2025
Report by Capt. Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and targets striped bass on San Luis Reservoir. What is working right now San Luis Reservoir is moderate to slow in mid-September 2025 after a full moon and up-and-down temperatures. The lake is up to about 920,000 acre-feet and rising. Troll Rapalas in shad colors 100 to 120 feet behind the boat at 2 mph, targeting 60 to 70 feet deep. Roger George's buddy caught a striper over 26 inches, with the average fish still around 20 to 21 inches. How is San Luis Reservoir fishing right now?Moderate to slow. Roger George says the full moon and up-and-down temperatures slowed the bite. Trolling took all day to find fish, but his buddy Sonny landed a nice striper over 26 inches, and they boated a couple more. The average fish is still 20 to 21 inches. What lures are working at San Luis Reservoir?Rapalas in shad colors are producing the trolling fish. Topwater rip baits work in small windows when you find them, but the overall bite is slow. Covering ground to locate active fish has been the key this week. How deep and fast should you troll San Luis?Roger runs about 100 to 120 feet behind the boat at 2 mph, focusing on 60 to 70 feet deep in the main lake. That main-lake trolling program has produced his best success, with occasional cove boils early and late. What are the San Luis water conditions?The lake is up to about 920,000 acre-feet and rising a half to three-quarters of a foot a day. Surface temperatures are up to 80 degrees, and thick algae drops visibility to nearly zero in some areas, which will affect fishing next week. What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?Roger rates the bite about a 2 out of 10 right now. He hopes stabilizing temperatures and rising water will improve it. Come ready to cover ground, find the fish, and then target them. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Roger George): The fishing here has been moderate to slow. We had a full moon last week that slowed things down. We caught both of them on Rapalas, and they are basically shad colors, about 100 to 120 feet back behind the boat, and about 2 miles an hour. 60 to 70 feet has been the main depth we have been focusing on. San Luis Reservoir September 15, 2025 FAQ How is the San Luis striper bite in mid-September?Moderate to slow, rated about a 2 out of 10, after a full moon and shifting temperatures. What lure is working at San Luis Reservoir?Rapalas in shad colors, with topwater rip baits in short windows. How deep should you troll San Luis?About 60 to 70 feet deep, 100 to 120 feet back at 2 mph. How big are the San Luis stripers?The average is around 20 to 21 inches, with a fish over 26 inches caught this trip. What is the San Luis water level?About 920,000 acre-feet and rising a half to three-quarters of a foot a day. What is the San Luis water temperature?Around 80 degrees on the surface, with thick algae limiting visibility. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | September 8, 2025
Report by Capt. Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and targets striped bass on San Luis Reservoir. What is working right now San Luis Reservoir has improved slightly in early September 2025 despite a full moon, with heavy inflow raising the lake 0.75 to 1 foot a day. Look for topwater boils in the coves early, then troll shad-colored lures like a Lucky Craft or Smithwick at 2.2 mph, 100 to 120 feet back, 60 to 80 feet deep. Roger George scouted 10 fish to 24 inches trolling. How is San Luis Reservoir fishing right now?Slightly improved. Roger George says the bite got a little better despite a full moon. He scouted 10 fish to 24 inches trolling on a solo trip. Rip baits and swimbaits are also producing some fish, and there is topwater action in the coves in the morning. How do you troll for San Luis stripers?Run shad-type lures like a Lucky Craft or Smithwick in shad colors at about 2.2 mph, 100 to 120 feet back off the downrigger. Target 60 to 80 feet deep in the main lake and cover ground, since the fish are moving a lot and you have to find them. Where are the stripers holding at San Luis?Back in coves and new flooded areas. With heavy inflow raising the lake 0.75 to 1 foot a day, minnows push into fresh shallow cover and stripers follow. Anglers fishing back in the coves report seeing a lot of fish. What are the water conditions at San Luis?They are pumping in 6,000 to 9,000 acre-feet a day, so the lake is rising fast and covering new territory. Algae is getting thick with only 6 to 18 inches of visibility, and windy mornings with fog make for shifting conditions. What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?Roger rates the bite a 3, maybe a 4 on some days. He expects it to improve after the full moon as temperatures stabilize and the rising water spreads bait and stripers into new coves. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Roger George): The bite has improved a little bit, in spite of the fact that we have a full moon going on right now. Running shad-type lures, Lucky Craft, Smithwick, those types of things in shad colors, and I run them about 2.2 mph, about 100, 120 feet back. I ended up with 10 fish up to 24 inches trolling. The lake is coming up anywhere from three-quarters of a foot to a foot a day. San Luis Reservoir September 8, 2025 FAQ How is the striper bite at San Luis Reservoir?Slightly improved, rated a 3 to 4 out of 10, with better days expected after the full moon. What lures work for San Luis stripers?Shad-colored trolling lures like a Lucky Craft or Smithwick, plus rip baits and swimbaits. How deep and fast should you troll San Luis?About 60 to 80 feet deep at 2.2 mph, 100 to 120 feet back off the downrigger. Where are San Luis stripers holding?Back in coves and newly flooded areas where minnows are moving as the lake rises. How fast is San Luis Reservoir rising?About 0.75 to 1 foot a day on 6,000 to 9,000 acre-feet of daily inflow. What is the water clarity at San Luis?Algae is thick, with only about 6 to 18 inches of visibility in most areas. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | September 1, 2025
Report by Capt. Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and reports on San Luis Reservoir striper fishing for Catch America. What is working right now San Luis Reservoir stripers are on the move chasing bait as the lake rises to about 850,000 acre-feet, roughly 40 percent full. Look for early topwater in the coves, then troll the 60 to 80 foot zone where you will run into the most fish. Thick algae and constant wind are shifting the bite, so scout and fish safe. What is biting at San Luis Reservoir right now?Stripers are the target and the bite has been up and down. Capt. Roger George rates it about a three to four out of ten. The lake has come up to 850,000 acre-feet, near 40 percent full, spreading fish into new shoreline areas where minnows and stripers are moving. What depth are the stripers holding at San Luis Reservoir?The troll fish are running the regular 60 to 80 foot range, which is where you will bump into the most fish. You still have to hunt for them and find the exact depth they want that day, so watch your electronics and stay mobile. What techniques are working at San Luis Reservoir?Early topwater and ripbait fishing along shoreline coves can be good, but you have to be out there early and it only lasts a while. Trolling the 60 to 80 foot band produces, and a few fish are coming on the jig. Mostly school-size fish, not many big ones right now. How are conditions at San Luis Reservoir?Heat has thickened the algae considerably and it will likely get thicker over the next couple weeks, changing the bite. Wind has been constant, blowing early and again later in the day. Check wind reports, be cautious, and take your time getting back in if it kicks up. What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?Roger thinks the topwater school-fish action may improve over the next week or so as the lake keeps rising. A limit is very possible right now if you know the water and time it well. He rates it a three, maybe a four out of ten. Specific lures were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Roger George): The troll bite has been up and down. The fish are running the regular 60 to 80 feet, kind of one of the areas where you'll probably run into the most fish. We're seeing some topwater action starting in some of the coves. You're going to have to be out there early. The wind has been a constant situation. San Luis Reservoir September 1, 2025 FAQ What depth are San Luis Reservoir stripers holding in September?The regular 60 to 80 foot range is where you will run into the most trolling fish. Is topwater working at San Luis Reservoir?Yes, early topwater and ripbait along shoreline coves can be good, but it is mostly school-size fish and the window is short. How full is San Luis Reservoir right now?About 850,000 acre-feet, roughly 40 percent full, and coming up a little each day. What is affecting the bite at San Luis Reservoir?Thickening algae from the heat and constant early and afternoon wind are both changing the bite. How does Roger George rate the San Luis bite?About a three, maybe a four out of ten for this week. What size stripers are being caught at San Luis Reservoir?Mostly school fish right now, without a lot of big fish in the topwater action. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | August 25, 2025
Report by Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and targets striped bass on San Luis Reservoir. What is working right now San Luis Reservoir striper fishing is slow and in transition in late August 2025, rated about a two or three out of ten. Fish are holding around 70 feet. Troll stick baits like Lucky Craft, Smithwick, and Rapala in shad colors, and work coves with rip baits in the afternoon. Wind, monsoon weather, and pumping water are moving fish daily. How is San Luis Reservoir fishing right now?Slow. Roger George rates it about a two or three out of ten. He caught a few fish in the morning near the dam, but 20 mph wind, shifting wind direction, overcast, and recent monsoon conditions with lightning have kept it tough. The fish are hard to pattern and require covering ground. What depth are San Luis stripers holding?The fish are holding at about 70 feet. Water is being pumped in and out day to day, which changes lake depth and affects where the stripers sit, so plan to search rather than expecting them in the same spot two days running. What lures work at San Luis Reservoir now?Troll stick baits from Lucky Craft, Smithwick, and Rapala in shad colors, which are the colors to focus on. Anglers are also catching some from shore on bait, and throwing rip baits in the coves in the afternoon can produce if you are in the right place. These are not Catch America products. How full is San Luis Reservoir?The reservoir is at about 38 percent. They are putting water in on and off, pumping day to day, morning and afternoon, which is affecting both the fish and how deep the lake is. That fluctuation is a big reason the stripers have been hard to pattern this year. What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?Roger hopes for stabilization soon so things start working more normally, and heading into fall the fishing could become awesome. For now, expect a new lake almost every day and be ready to search and cover water. Exact water temperatures were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Roger George): We caught a few fish this morning. It's been slow fishing, had a lot of wind this morning, 20 miles an hour. The fish are holding at about 70 feet. We're trolling everything from Lucky Craft, to Smithwick, to Rapalas, all of those types of things in shad colors. We're at about 38% right now. San Luis Reservoir August 25, 2025 FAQ How deep are San Luis Reservoir stripers now?About 70 feet. What lures work at San Luis in late August?Trolled stick baits from Lucky Craft, Smithwick, and Rapala in shad colors. How full is San Luis Reservoir?About 38 percent, with water pumped in and out day to day. How would you rate San Luis fishing right now?About a two or three out of ten, because it has been slow and variable. What is affecting the San Luis bite?Wind, monsoon weather with lightning, and pumping water moving the fish. What colors work best at San Luis?Shad colors on stick baits. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | August 18, 2025
Report by Capt. Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and reports on San Luis Reservoir striper fishing for Catch America. What is working right now The San Luis Reservoir striper bite has improved considerably. Fish are moving around chasing bait from 50 to 70 feet, with boils near shoreline at times. Water temps are near 80 degrees and the lake is coming up gradually. Pick a calm, low-wind day and you can score, including quality fish like the 17.2 pounder Roger George landed. What is biting at San Luis Reservoir right now?Stripers, and the bite has improved considerably. Capt. Roger George found a beautiful fish that went 17.2 pounds on this trip. Fish are moving around chasing bait, so you still have to hunt, but the overall bite is much better than it was. What depth are the stripers holding at San Luis Reservoir?Roger found the fish at about 70 feet, with fish anywhere from 50 to 70 feet. They are moving quite a bit chasing bait, and there are shoreline boils at times, so cover water and stay ready to react to surface activity. What techniques work at San Luis Reservoir?Trolling, casting the shoreline, and jigging can all work. Some anglers are casting to shore during boils. The fish are chasing bait and pushing it up, so keep an eye out for surface action and target it when the wind lays down. How do conditions affect the San Luis bite?Water temps are close to 80 degrees depending on the day, and algae is getting tougher. The lake is coming up gradually, which is improving the bite. Your best days are calm ones without heavy wind. What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?Roger rates trolling, casting, and jigging about a three to four out of ten, and expects it to keep improving in the near future. The gradual rise in lake level is a positive. Specific lures and colors were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Roger George): The bite has improved considerably. We found the fish at about 70 feet. We're finding anywhere from 50 to 70. These fish are moving around quite a bit right now, chasing bait. There's boils at times that are happening near shoreline. We did find a really nice fish that went 17.2. San Luis Reservoir August 18, 2025 FAQ What depth are San Luis stripers holding in mid-August?Anywhere from 50 to 70 feet, with fish found at about 70 feet on this trip. What is the water temperature at San Luis Reservoir?Close to 80 degrees, depending on the day. Is the San Luis bite getting better?Yes, it has improved considerably and is expected to keep improving as the lake rises gradually. What was the biggest striper caught?A fish that went 17.2 pounds. When is the best time to fish San Luis right now?On calm days without heavy wind, when boils and bait activity show up near shoreline. How does Roger rate the bite?About a three to four out of ten for trolling, casting, and jigging. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear
Learn moreSan Luis Reservoir Fishing Report | August 4, 2025
Report by Capt. Roger George Roger George runs Roger George Guide Service and reports on San Luis Reservoir striper fishing for Catch America. What is working right now San Luis Reservoir has stabilized around 36 percent full and stripers are settling in. Fish are suspended and scattered from 30 feet in shallow water out to 50 and 60 feet and deeper. The key is finding active fish and working them with trolling, spooning, jigging, or casting. Roger George landed a 41 inch, 34-plus pound striper on this trip. What is biting at San Luis Reservoir right now?Stripers, and the standout was a 41 inch fish weighing 34-plus pounds, nearly 35. Capt. Roger George rates the overall bite three to four out of ten. The lake has stabilized near 36 percent full, which is helping fish pattern up, though many remain inactive after the long drawdown. What depth are the stripers at San Luis Reservoir?Fish are suspended and scattered. Roger found them in water as shallow as 30 feet, out to 50 and 60 feet, and farther and deeper. There is no single depth, so keep looking for the active fish rather than fishing every mark you see. What techniques work at San Luis Reservoir?Trolling, spooning, jigging, casting to shore, and ripbaits can all produce. The main lake is the better bet right now. If fish are not biting, they probably will not, so come back later when they fire up. Finding active fish is the critical factor. How do you handle big stripers at San Luis Reservoir?Roger uses a Seaqualizer to release big fish safely from deep water. It clips to the downrigger line and the fish's mouth, then pops open at a chosen depth of 30, 50, or 70 feet so the fish swims away. A great way to conserve big fish. What is the outlook for San Luis Reservoir?With the lake stable at 36 percent and a little water moving in and out each day, fish are getting more active. It was a grind most of the day, with bites picking up around noon. Roger rates it three to four out of ten. Specific lure colors were not specified in this report. Watch the full report From the report (Capt. Roger George): The lake level has started to stabilize at about 36 percent. Those fish are from down lower all the way up to the surface. I found fish in shallower water, 30 feet, all the way out 50, 60, and then out farther, deeper. It was a 41-inch striper that weighed 34-plus pounds. We used the Seaqualizer to put it down. San Luis Reservoir August 4, 2025 FAQ How full is San Luis Reservoir in early August?It has stabilized at about 36 percent, with a little water coming in and going out each day. What depth are San Luis stripers holding?They are suspended and scattered from about 30 feet in shallow water out to 50, 60 feet and deeper. What was the biggest fish caught?A 41 inch striper that weighed 34-plus pounds, almost 35 pounds. What is the best way to fish San Luis right now?Find active fish first, then work them with trolling, spooning, jigging, casting, or ripbaits on the main lake. How do you safely release deep-water stripers?Use a Seaqualizer descending device clipped to your downrigger line to return big fish to depth. How does Roger rate the San Luis bite?About a three to four out of ten right now. Shop the Tackle Shop Striped Bass Tackle Shop Striped Bass Gear
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