The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 4 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
San Luis Reservoir
Merced County, California · 12,700 acres (19.8 sq mi)
67°F water, windy Friday (30 mph SSW).
About San Luis Reservoir
In Merced County, California, San Luis Reservoir covers 12,700 acres; it is a reservoir. San Luis Reservoir is an off-stream reservoir filled by pumping from the California Aqueduct and Delta, and is famous for its striped bass fishing.
It stretches about 8.9 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 38 miles. Its surface is about 480 ft above sea level. The deepest water is about 270 ft. The nearest town, Los Banos, is about 12 miles east. The closest city is Gilroy, about 22 miles away.
- Size
- 12,700 acres (19.8 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 270 ft
- Shoreline
- About 38 miles
- End to end
- About 8.9 miles
- Elevation
- About 480 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- 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 in San Luis Reservoir
Anglers come to San Luis Reservoir for largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and yellow perch. With the surface at 67°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- FairStriped bass
Warming. Early-morning topwater, then they go deep.
- FairCrappie
Scattered after the spawn. Try docks and brush at mid depth.
- GoodBluegill and sunfish
Active around docks and weeds.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
4 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 San Luis Reservoir
- Los Banosabout 12 mi east
- Gustineabout 13 mi northeast
- Newmanabout 15 mi north
- Hollisterabout 18 mi southwest
- Gilroynearest city, about 22 mi west
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Questions about San Luis Reservoir
What fish are in San Luis Reservoir?
San Luis Reservoir holds largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and yellow perch. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is San Luis Reservoir?
About 270 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is San Luis Reservoir?
12,700 acres, with about 38 miles of shoreline.
What town is near San Luis Reservoir?
Los Banos is about 12 miles east; Gustine is about 13 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at San Luis Reservoir today?
The surface was about 67°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
San Luis Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
