Fishing Forecast for O'Neill Forebay

Fishing at O’Neill Forebay

O’Neill Forebay sits beside San Luis Reservoir near Los Banos. It’s the smaller of the two waters, but it has its own fishing history: a 67½-pound striped bass was caught here in 1992. Stripers are a big reason anglers visit, with largemouth bass and crappie offering other options. This forecast covers the forebay, not the larger reservoir above it.

For a shore trip, the San Luis Creek area gives you room to explore. North Beach has parking and restrooms, and a paved trail follows the water through the campground toward the fishing area known as Check 12. There are parking areas at several points along the route, so you don’t have to walk the entire trail to start looking for a spot. Stay outside the marked swimming area and respect signs around the water-control facilities.

If you’d like to make a longer trip of it, Medeiros has basic campsites along the southern shore. San Luis Creek also has camping beside the forebay. They give you different places to base a trip rather than one single stretch of bank everyone has to fish.

Wind deserves real attention here, especially if you’re taking a small boat. Check the park’s wind-warning lights and boating notices, and be ready to change plans when conditions build. A calm arrival doesn’t mean the water will stay that way. Day-use parking is paid; camping is a separate booking.