GENERAL CONDITIONS

We’re heading into the beginning of spring with trout and striped bass both active. The water level is currently at 81,200 acre feet and will be steady through the end of the month. In April, the reservoir will begin to rise. The water temperature is at 55 degrees. Our water clarity is good. A fair number of trout and stripers continue to be caught both from shore and from boats.

Saturday, March 19, we’ll have “Fishing For Beginners” at the Los Vaqueros Marina starting at 9 a.m. This free program is aimed at boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 10 and will include everything from tying knots to casting. The program is limited to 10 participants. Call (925) 688-8010 to register. We even have free loaner rods if you need them.

Some trails in the watershed are closed to protect golden eagle nests. Check here for more information.

A 14.08 pound striper was caught this week on a top water lure near the mouth of South Cove.

The Interpretive Center is open from 9 to 4 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Our March hours are 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM with boats due in by 4:00 PM. Starting April 1, our summer hours will begin and we’ll be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

TROUT

Fishing for trout continues to be good with all the trout plants and cool water temperatures. They are being caught in South Cove and Oak Point as well as Cowboy Cove. 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 DFW plant on March 8th. There was also a 1000 lb Lassen plant this 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 Pennisula and Cowboy coves especially on nightcrawlers and PowerBait. From the shore, the most popular bait has been nightcrawlers 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 past the Rock Wall.

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. A 14.08 pound fish was caught on a top water lure near the mouth of South Cove.

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).