Feb 10 -11 Camp and kayak fish San Luis res.

Joel -

I will try to make it out there on 2/10 if my WAF is OK, have to work on 2/11. Are you going to use live bait  or artificials ?

Scott

Scott,  I'll try fishing both.  Looking forward to fishing this body of water

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area

Nestled in the grassy hills of the western San Joaquin Valley near historic Pacheco Pass, San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is noted for boating, board sailing, camping, and picnicking.
Camping: 79 developed sites; 435 primitive sites R; trlrs 37', campers 37';
Basalt Campground: Located on the San Luis Reservoir, campsites are located in a shaded, wind-protected valley about 1/2 mile away from the lake. Coin operated hot showers are available in the restrooms. Each site has a fire ring, food locker and table with water close by. Some sites will handle RVs up to 40 ft. There are no hookups. There is a dump station near the entrance to the campground. San Luis Creek Family Campground: Located on the shoreline of O’Neil Forebay (across Highway 152 from San Luis Reservoir). This is a newer campground offering water and electric hookups and has been recently landscaped with trees. A dump station is adjacent to the campground. Each site has a level pad, fire ring and table. The sites will handle RVs up to 38 feet. The campground is located in an open area and is susceptible to the wind.
Medeiros Campground: Located on the shore line of O’Neil Forebay (across Highway 152 from San Luis Reservoir). This campground is very primitive with almost unlimited space. There are some sites with ramadas for shade, barbecues and tables. Chemical toilets are available. Some sites area located at the lakes’ edge.
San Luis Creek Group Campgrounds A & B: These group campgrounds are large picturesque grassy areas located on the shoreline of O’Neil Forebay.  Both have hot showers and flush toilets, a ramada with a large permanent barbecue, running water and electric outlets. Both sites have trees and open spaces suitable for group games.
Camping Reservations: Reservations are recommended for Basalt Campground, San Luis Creek Family Campground & San Luis Creek Group Campgrounds A & B.
Mederios Campground is on a first come first serve basis.
Additional camping fees: All campgrounds, extra vehicle $5.00/night. San Luis Creek Group Campground A- Max. length campers/trailers 30’, Capacity- 60 people, vehicles 15, fee: $90.00/night.
Campground B- Max. length campers/trailers 30’, Capacity- 30 people, 10 vehicles, fee: $45.00/night.
Reservations/permits: No reservations are required for day use or boat launching.
At this time there are three group day use picnic areas which may be reserved through the District office at (209) 826-1196. Current fees $25.00/day.
Camping-(During peak season, May 1 through September 30)
Basalt Campground-$16.00/site/night, max. length campers/trailers 30’, some sites can accommodate up to 38’  San Luis Creek Family Campground (w/water & electricity)-max. length campers/trailers 30’, some sites can accommodate up to 40’, $15.00/site/night
Medeiros Campground-$10.00/veh/night.
Camping-(After September 30)
Basalt Campground-$12.00/site/night
San Luis Creek Family Campground $15.00/site/night
Medeiros Campground- $7.00/veh/night.
 Location: On Highway 152, 7 miles West of I-5, or 33 miles East of Highway 101 from Gilroy. 12 mi W of Los Banos on Hwy 152.
Address: 31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322
Park Headquarters: Located at 31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322.
Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 am.-5 PM. Closed Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.
Visitor Center: Located at 31426 Gonzaga Road, Gustine, CA 95322. Not open to public at this time.
Public Telephone: (209) 826-1196
Operating hours/seasons: All year. Day use hours ˝  hour before sunrise to 10 PM. Boating 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Camping, check-in 2 PM., check-out noon.
Summer Hours: Day use hours 1/2 hour before sunrise to 10 PM. Boating ˝  hour before sunrise to sunset. Camping, check-in 2 PM., check-out noon.
Winter Hours: Day use hours 1/2 hour before sunrise to 10 PM. Boating ˝  hour before sunrise to sunset. Camping, check-in 2 PM., check-out noon.
Fees:
Boat launch fees: $5.00/day.
Day use fee $5.00 per vehicle, per day
Dogs $1.00 per day ( no charge for guide or service dog)
Senior Citizen discount -$1.00 per day - day use

Here's the number for camping info-Dennis Imhoff, Chief Ranger
Four Rivers District
31426 Gonzaga Road
Gustine, CA 95322-9737
(209) 826-1197
I've never camped there before. However I just spoke to the nice ranger lady there's nice campgrounds in the Balsalt area which is where I'll camp. Campgrounds are $15 a day.They are a mille from the water.
You can of course drive down and launch and then use the fishermen point parking lot which is...by the water. What I have done in the past is camp on the forebay and fish the forebay one day and the the big water the next day.Just a thought. You can fish within 500 feet of the dam or the trash racks. which is where a friend of mine caught a 40 pounder on a clouser, that is by the way a  fly. see you there.

There is a camp at Basalt which is a great place to camp if you want to fish "The Bay of Pigs" <hint>.
The Basalt entrance is on 152 S past San Luis Creek entrance to the Forebay but before you get tothe 33 junctions to follwo to the Madeiros area.

Joel

I am cleared for Saturday. Let me know what you decide for the launch site and time. Do you think I should bring my stuff to troll at 20-30 ft ? Unlike the forebay I think the main reservior gets deep and the stripers can hold in deep water. Where are you picking up the minnows just in case?

Thanks Scott

the coastside dudes seem to always use cut bait (anchovies) fished on the bottom, as deep as 120 feet.

I have no clue what rig they use to do this, but I'm assuming 4-8oz sliding sinker rig?

J

John

Thanks for the tip.

scott

If you go to highway 33 and head towards santa nella. There is a bait shop called lucky luies or go in to los banos and just as you start getting in to town there is a bait shop across from walmart and they both have live and dead bait.

                                                             
                                                                 
                    Good luck squidly                                                                                                           

If you go to highway 33 and head towards santa nella. There is a bait shop called lucky luies or go in to los banos and just as you start getting in to town there is a bait shop across from walmart and they both have live and dead bait.

                                                             
                                                                 
                    Good luck squidly                                                                                                           

Squidly - I thought Lucky Luies closed down?

Scott - still trying to figure out what to use in San luis - maybe do it like Mendo Style and slow troll live minnows 
Think I'll get my minnows  at ly's or Lee's tackle shop in SJO.

Mooch,
Add me to the list for one of those days. Ill be packing bait live and dead plus lures. Know is the time for the big girls to show so I think you will want to have all the bases covered. I also think its possible to score a large striper in Oneal's or the lake. Keep us posted for the launch site. See ya

I wanted to say Now is the time not Know.

How far is this lake from the Bay Area? you guys make it sound like I AM GONNA BE MISSING OUT on HOOKING SOMETHING BIG! and I can't have that! 
Kick wit the details Mooch! I'm getting ITCHY!!

How far is this lake from the Bay Area? you guys make it sound like I AM GONNA BE MISSING OUT on HOOKING SOMETHING BIG! and I can't have that! 
Kick wit the details Mooch! I'm getting ITCHY!!

Adam...I'm sorry to say that this will not be a gathering of Raider Nation people....just a simple, mellow group of NCKA'ers  BUT you know I love and respect you - so you're more than welcome to join us despite of your connection with the Raiders

I believe it's about 2 1/2 hours from the Bay Area....easy drive - a lot less traffic compared to a trip to mendo.

Looks like the details were already covered by Rickey (Paddle & Flies) on an earlier post. There's a number you can call -

Here's the number for camping info-Dennis Imhoff, Chief Ranger
Four Rivers District
31426 Gonzaga Road
Gustine, CA 95322-9737
(209) 826-1197
I've never camped there before. However I just spoke to the nice ranger lady there's nice campgrounds in the Balsalt area which is where I'll camp. Campgrounds are $15 a day.They are a mille from the water.
You can of course drive down and launch and then use the fishermen point parking lot which is...by the water

THis is all we have for now - stay tuned for more details.

Scott - still trying to figure out what to use in San luis - maybe do it like Mendo Style and slow troll live minnows 
Think I'll get my minnows  at ly's or Lee's tackle shop in SJO.

If you mark fish on your FF, try vertical jigging a spoon (Hopkins shorty, Kastmaster, Kroc, Little Cleo).  That's a pretty good bet this time of year...