What's going on at Los Voqueros Expansion?

The major construction on the dam itself is generally complete, though there is a lot of detail work to do such as paving, installing instruments and other equipment. The reservoir now is slightly less than half-full.

Over on the other side of the lake, the Marina is nearly complete, though a considerable amount of detail work also remains.

You can see our latest photos here.

We're aiming for a mid-July reopening date for the Marina and the North side of the watershed including the Interpretive Center, and will let you know when as soon as we settle on a final date.

Golden Eagle Update
Though most of the watershed is closed to the public, the golden eagles are nesting. We've been following four active nests with seven chicks. Three nests have two golden eagle chicks each and another has one chick.

Normally, the young golden eagles leave their nests by the first of July.

Some of the few trails that were still open at LV near are closed due to golden eagle nesting. Look here for more info.

Fishing Report:
Trout Plant Monday Mt. Lassen Trout Farms will be planting 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout at Los Vaqueros on Monday, May 7. The average size will be 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, with some fish up to eight pounds. This will be the third time LV has been stocked with rainbow trout in 2012.

GENERAL CONDITIONS
The south entrance to the reservoir continues open for shore fishing. Just a reminder the Marina and boat rentals are closed until mid-summer. We recommend calling (925) 371-2628 for up to date information. The water level is currently at 45% of the new high water mark. Our water temperature is 61 degrees. Water conditions are excellent for fishing.

DAM EXPANSION UPDATES & CLOSURES
Most of the expansion work is complete at the North entrance to the reservoir and we hope to re-open in mid-summer.

The south entrance to the reservoir continues to have shoreline open to anglers. Please call (925) 371-2628 for specific up-to-date information.

TROUT
Trout fishing has clearly improved and now gets a rating of fair. The South cove is your best bet. We planted 1,000 pounds of 1.5 to 2.5 pound trout on April 20 with about 10 fish in the six to eighty pound range. These were bright, beautiful fish from the Mt. Lassen trout farm. The best way to catch trout this time of year is with nightcrawlers, power worms or power bait. There is no need for long casts or heavy weights. The fish will be pretty close to shore. Using light line helps. Four to six pound test is plenty.

Anglers also took some trout casting kastmasters and a variety of other lures. On Tuesday two anglers caught ten nice trout up to seven pounds. We also saw an additional six pound trout and another 15 or 20 smaller trout caught on Tuesday. Most anglers continue to focus on stripers but maybe it is time to try one rod for trout and one for stripers

LARGEMOUTH BASS
We have had very few anglers focusing on largemouth bass. Over all we rate largemouth bass fishing slow. A few nice fish were caught and released last week by one angler working a watermelon senko. We had a seven pound bass caught and released on Tuesday. Please practice catch and release. We're hoping largemouth bass are thinking about spawning.

STRIPERS
Fishing for stripers continues to offer a solid chance at some quality fish. Fishing continues to be a little more hit and miss than it was a few months ago. We continue to see some limits almost every day. Stripers from 18 inches to 8 lbs are caught by anglers putting in the time. Striped bass will average between 4 to 6 lbs. Anchovies, sardines or shad should do the trick. We suggest you take advantage of the 2nd rod stamp available from Fish and Game. Many anglers will use different baits on each rod. On slow days we see 10 or 12 bass and on good days 30 or 40 bass with some limits included almost every day. One key to catching striped bass is to put in the time. It is a bit of a waiting game. Another key is to keep your bait in good condition and make sure your hooks are well baited throughout the day. If you let your anchovies or shad get soft and soggy it is difficult to keep them on the hook. Casting swim baits or shad raps will also give you a shot at catching a striper.

SALMON
No reports of salmon .Very few anglers are focusing on salmon.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish is still slow but should improve with warming water. An occasional catfish is caught by anglers fishing for stripers. Anchovies, liver and nightcrawlers all work well. Mackerel is a favorite of our big catfish.

GENERAL
We are still giving out Whopper mugs so if you catch a big fish stop by the kiosk and weigh it on your way out of the park.

We have State of California Fishing Licenses for sale at the kiosk. Fish and Game has been checking fishing licenses so make such you have one for everyone 16 or over.

We have frozen bait and nightcrawlers available at the kiosk.

We remind anglers the limit on striped bass is 2 and they need to be at least 18 inches. Citations have been given recently to anglers for over limits.

Shoreline access continues to be limited due to expansion efforts.

Most hiking trails are currently closed for renovation or Eagle nesting.

We have begun to weigh and measure striped bass as a sampling project. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Use caution as rattlesnakes have begun to get active.