Los Banos, CA (January 29, 2026) — San Luis reservoir continues to slowly fill up- reaching 1,570,000 acre feet this week- about 38’ from the top. Inputs from the Forebay have slowed to a crawl recently – keeping the lake at a fairly stable level.
The fishing in the last week has teetered from decent to good for some anglers. Trolling continues to be the overall best tactic to pick up a limit of school sized stripers on stick baits or Arigs working the Portuguese Cove area. The fish seem to be schooled up better than they were- but seem to move quickly once they catch on a boat is nearby.
I’ve had reports of some success on bait , as well as action on jigs and spoons worked over active fish in the back of Portuguese Cove the 60-80’ depths.
I took out a father son duo last week during a low pressure front that usually slows the bite. In spite of the slow bite we released all 11 fish to 25” for the day. We had to work over around 5 different areas in the main lake to pick up a fish here and there. Each day has its own bite pattern lately.
I expect things to slow a little with the full moon this Sunday- but the bite should pick up after that.
Calm warming weather- a rising lake and a forecast of more of the same seems like a formula for an improved bite after the full moon.
Interested in a trip? Let me know! Go to my website at www.rogergeorgeguideservice.com or call (559) 905-2954.
My recently posted YouTube video on the new “Catch America “ channel – about fishing San Luis for monster stripers has gotten over14,000 views in less than 2 weeks .
