Catch America – Fishing Report
Location & Conditions
Body of Water: San Luis Reservoir
City / Region: Central California / Merced County
Date of Report: May 19, 2025
Weather Conditions: Not specified, but post-full moon and algae bloom suggest stable, warm weather
Water Temperature: Not provided
Water Clarity: Poor in areas due to algae bloom; better in main lake sections
Water Level / Flow: Dropping rapidly — down 30 ft in 30 days (now at 1.5M acre-ft of 2.1M capacity)
Fishing Overview
Overall Fishing Rating (1–5): ⭐️⭐️✰✰✰ (2.5/5)
Target Species: Striped Bass
Most Active Depth Range: 50–70 ft
Most Effective Presentation: Deep trolling or casting
Best Time of Day: Not specified — fish still recovering from post-full moon slump
Successful Lures or Baits Used:
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Deep-diving Lucky Craft-style lures
Other Techniques That Worked:
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Not specifically noted, but fish are structure-oriented; focus on trolling or casting in clearer main lake zones
Notable Catches:
- Average size: 21–24 inches
- Condition: Fat, healthy fish despite tough conditions
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Bonus Tip: Always fizz deep-caught fish to ensure a proper release
Guide’s Tips & Notes
Advice for This Week:
- Don’t chase fish into murky areas — the main lake is holding better clarity and more cooperative fish
- Use deep-diving plugs to reach the 50–70 ft range
- Have descending devices or fizzing needles handy to release fish caught from depth properly
Changes You’re Seeing:
- Fish still shaking off post-full moon lockjaw
- Algae bloom making it harder to locate clear water — clarity is shifting day to day
- Reservoir level is falling fast, pushing fish to adjust to new structure and pressure
Predictions for Next Week:
- Things should improve as stripers acclimate to changing clarity and stabilizing pressure
- Expect more active fish as the algae thins and moon phase becomes more favorable
