The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
O'Neill Forebay Reservoir
Merced County, California · about 2,160 acres (3.4 sq mi)
68°F water, windy Friday (25 mph SSW).
About O'Neill Forebay Reservoir
O'Neill Forebay Reservoir is a lake in Merced County, California, covering about 2,160 acres.
It stretches about 3.4 miles end to end with roughly 12.5 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 220 ft above sea level. Los Banos is about 9.3 miles east. The closest city is Gilroy, about 27 miles away.
- Size
- About 2,160 acres (3.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 12.5 miles
- End to end
- About 3.4 miles
- Elevation
- About 220 ft
- County
- Merced County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Sunday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual California mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 68°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- FairCrappie
Scattered after the spawn. Try docks and brush at mid depth.
- GoodBluegill and sunfish
Active around docks and weeds.
- GoodCatfish
Active. Evenings and nights are best.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:41 am · sunset 4:55 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near O'Neill Forebay Reservoir
- Los Banosabout 9.3 mi east
- Gustineabout 11 mi north
- Newmanabout 14 mi north
- South Dos Palosabout 21 mi east
- Gilroynearest city, about 27 mi west
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about O'Neill Forebay Reservoir
What fish are in O'Neill Forebay Reservoir?
Lakes like O'Neill Forebay Reservoir usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is O'Neill Forebay Reservoir?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is O'Neill Forebay Reservoir?
About 2,160 acres, with about 12.5 miles of shoreline.
What town is near O'Neill Forebay Reservoir?
Los Banos is about 9.3 miles east; Gustine is about 11 miles north.
What is the water temperature at O'Neill Forebay Reservoir today?
The surface was about 68°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
O'Neill Forebay Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
