Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz trolled Los Vaqueros Reservoir on January 4, 2024, trying to catch some Mt. Lassen Rainbow Trout. We had 5-6 strikes, leading to our catching 4 Mt Lassens, ranging from 0.5-1.5 pounds. All the fish were caught (and released) in Cox Cove.  Three of the fish were caught early in the day, trolling various colored J-7 Jointed Rapalas with scent applied. The other was caught casting a 1/4 oz. Kastmaster in the very back of Cox Cove. Two of the heavier fish are pictured below (caught with Rapalas). All the fish were very shallow, caught 5 feet below the surface in 8-10 foot water columns. A family also  fishing at the very back of Cox Cove caught its limit of Rainbows using PowerBait in very “skinny” water.

The day started off quite cold, but warmed up nicely. The lake is very full, with very good water clarity. Surface water temperature is in the 56 plus degree range. Those fishing PowerBait are outperforming trollers at this time. As the Trout stocking program continues and remains supported, we anticipate that trolling will become more productive in producing larger and more numerous Rainbows. For now we suggest trolling in shallow water in areas near underwater structure and surface cover.

All the best and Happy New Year!
         Paul Clouse, Lafayette 
         Dr. Al Hurwitz, Saratoga