Rollercoaster Bite at San Luis Reservoir as Spawn Approaches

Guide Service Reports Slow Fishing Amid Full Moon, Cooler Temps, and Early Spawning Activity

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a fishing scene at San Luis Reservoir, with overlapping planes of deep blue water, emerald green shoreline, and golden yellow sunlight, capturing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the rollercoaster fishing conditions at San Luis Reservoir, where anglers must navigate shifting water levels, spawning patterns, and environmental factors to land trophy-sized catches.Los Banos Today

According to veteran fishing guide Roger George, the bite at San Luis Reservoir in central California has been a rollercoaster in recent weeks due to a combination of factors, including a full moon, cooler temperatures, early spawning behavior, and a slowly falling water level. George says the fish have moved back into shallower waters, making them harder to locate and catch, though he remains optimistic that the upcoming full moon and stabilizing water levels will trigger a strong spring bite.

Why it matters

San Luis Reservoir is a popular destination for anglers seeking trophy-sized striped bass, and the spring spawn is a critical period that can make or break the fishing season. George's report provides valuable insights for local anglers on the current conditions and what to expect in the coming weeks.

The details

George reports that trolling and jigging have been slow, with anglers also struggling to entice fish with ripbaits and topwater plugs. He attributes this to the fish moving back into shallower waters, between 30-70 feet deep, as they prepare to spawn. The full moon this week has also disrupted the usual key feeding times, with the fish appearing to be more active at night and less willing to bite during the day. However, George has seen signs that the spawn may be getting underway earlier than usual, with more milting males showing up, which should lead to the fish forming into larger schools soon.

  • This week's full moon has complicated the usual key times the fish get active.
  • An early spawn may be getting underway soon, with milting males showing up more frequently.
  • The coming full moon is usually the one that the big female stripers use to spawn.

The players

Roger George

A veteran fishing guide who operates the Roger George Guide Service and provides regular reports on fishing conditions at San Luis Reservoir.

Bob McGill

A guest of Roger George's who caught a personal best 36.5-inch, 20-pound striped bass while fishing at San Luis Reservoir.

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What they’re saying

“We had to move a lot to find anything willing to bite.”

— Roger George, Fishing Guide

“The new PB was 36 ½' and 20 lbs . . Turns out it was the only fish he caught that day- but it was worth it.”

— Roger George, Fishing Guide

What’s next

The next month will be a key cycle because the coming full moon is usually the one that the big female stripers use to spawn. George is optimistic that the falling water levels and stabilizing weather will help trigger a strong spring bite.

The takeaway

This report highlights the unpredictable nature of the spring fishing season at San Luis Reservoir, with factors like the lunar cycle, water levels, and spawning behavior all playing a role in the bite. While the fishing has been slow lately, George's experience suggests the best is yet to come as the spawn approaches.