Los Banos, CA (November 12, 2025) — The lake is fishing better than it has for the last couple weeks but the forecast storm may slow the bite for a few days- when I expect the action to improve in the cooling water. Current temps are reaching the 70’s which is unusual, and the water is hanging around 50% at 1,060,000 acre feet. The troll bite is improved at the 50-70’ depths , while boiling fish are coming to the surface in the mornings in the back of Portuguese Cove . Topwater plugs like Zara spooks and Pencil Poppers are working while the fish are targeting the bait on top.
The best area for boiling fish on topwater baits seems to be in the back of Portuguese Cove and in the back of any of the major coves in the main lake. The 152 rock wall has been another area anglers are finding topwater action.
I guided 2 guests from the Bay Area on Monday and they released 12 21-25” stripers, topped by a 31”, 11 lber in the main lake- mainly trolling Lucky Crafts in silver black shades in the 70’ plus depth range. Water clarity has gotten more stained from the dying algae.
The Forebay is still producing smaller stripers for anglers working the boils or trollers pulling Arigs .
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