GENERAL CONDITIONS
Trout and striped bass are both active. The reservoir is at 51 percent of its capacity and will remain steady for the next few weeks. The water temperature is at 52-53 degrees. Our water clarity is mostly good. A fair number of trout and stripers continue to be caught both from shore and from boats.

This past week, Peninsula Cove gave up a 7.57 pound trout on a Rapala and South Cove gave up a 6.69 pounder on a Kastmaster.
Some trails in the watershed are closed to protect golden eagle nests. Check here for more information.

Our hours through the end of February are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with boats due in by 3 p.m

In March, our hours will be 7 a.m to 6 p.m. with boats due in by 4 p.m.

Patio boat rental prices have increased. A half day (3 to 5 hours) is now $115 and a full day is $165, a $5 and $10 increase respectively. This is the last of the board-mandated increases. Tuesday through Thursday (non holidays) will remain 50% off for boat rentals.

TROUT

Fishing for trout continues to be good with all the trout plants and cooler water temperatures. They are being caught in South Cove and Oak Point as well as Howden and Peninsula coves. The baits of choice for shore anglers is garlic scented powerbaits, nightcrawlers or Kastmasters. Trout average a pound and a half but range to over 5 lbs. Light tackle is important for catching trout with 4-6 pound test being plenty. There was a 1000 lb Lassen plant on February 10th and 15th. There will be another 1000 lb Lassen plant next week. With the continuing plants, trout fishing has been holding steady with more limits being caught from all around the reservoir.

Trolling is popular with anglers using Rapalas and other lures in the coves. Limits are continuing to show up out of Penninsula Cove and Howden coves. From the shore the most popular bait has been nightcralwers followed by garlic scented PowerBaits and Kastmasters. There is no need for line heavier than 6 lb test. Fish are still coming out of South Cove and from around Oak Point. Peninsula Cove gave up a 7.57 pound trout on a Rapala and South Cove gave up a 6.69 pounder on a Kastmaster.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Most anglers were focused on stripers or trout although there have been many sighting near the boat dock and adjacent fishing pier. Senkos have been seen catching some nice fish in that area. Keep in mind that largemouth need to be 12 inches to be kept. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. If you catch any of undersized fish please release them gently and allow them to grow up.

STRIPERS

Shakers are still the main action with striped bass. We are still seeing many undersized fish being caught for every keeper. From shore, cut anchovies or shad is the bait of choice. Just a reminder, stripers need to be 18 inches or more to be legal. Please continue releasing the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible. They are the future of our striped bass fishery.

CATFISH

Catfish are hit or miss with decent numbers being reported out of Cowboy and South Coves following the recent rains. If we get more run-off, hopefully it will pick up again. For those wishing to target catfish, nightcrawlers and chicken liver are the best choices of bait. We encourage and appreciate the release of any monster catfish (15 lbs plus).

Pictured here is Martin Villafuerte of San Jose. 7.19 lb from South Cove with a lure.