Los Banos, CA (January 21, 2026) — San Luis striper fishing has improved recently for some anglers – but many are coming up short – graphing fish that aren’t willing to bite. Finding active schools that are feeding is the biggest issue right now in catching a decent limit of school sized fish averaging 22” plus . Covering ground by trolling or working the shoreline has been the best tactic, and it’s possible to get into boiling fish in the coves before the sun comes up some days. Foggy conditions can extend the topwater bite window at times too.
The reservoirs daily input of water has slowed to around 4,000 acre feet per day- raising the lake’s level around a half foot a day. Currently the lake is about 1,525,000 acre feet- 41’ from full capacity. Water temps are holding in the high 50’s and the visibility is about 3-4’ in most of the lake.
Trollers seem to be doing the best – working the whole back of Portuguese Cove –and into the creek channel pulling Rapalas and 128 Lucky Crafts in Shad colors- as well as other popular stick baits. The best depths continue to be in the 40-80’ range . Working the main lake flats and points has also worked.
Ripbaits thrown along the shore is another tactic that’s drawing up active fish. Minnow anglers are reporting some success.
I guided two anglers – trolling the main lake at several different spots on the north and west sides for 20 plus stripers- released- using Lucky Crafts . Guest Steve Souza of San Jose, topped off the decent bite with a 32”, 13 lber- that looked more like a guppy, it was so fat.
I would rate the bite as a 4 out of 10, but all this stable weather could kick out a breakout bite if things continue. Good luck!
Never give up !
Check out my San Luis Reservoir video reports on the new YouTube “Catch America” fishing channel – for more info. Subscribe for a wide array of trout, king salmon and striper weekly reports by top guides. San Luis Reservoir striped bass guided trips info- rogergeorgeguideservice.com or (559) 905-2954.
