GENERAL CONDITIONS
The south entrance to the reservoir continues open for shore fishing only. Just a reminder the marina and boat rentals are closed until late September. We recommend calling (925) 371-2628 for up to date information. The water level is currently at 59% of the new high water mark. Our water temperature is 70 to 72 degrees on the surface and 66 degrees at 40 feet. Water conditions are good for fishing. Water is currently being pumped into the reservoir.

PLEASE NOTE:
We are still giving out Whopper mugs so if you catch a big fish stop by the kiosk on your way out of the park. We gave away 7 mugs last week for trout over 5 lbs.

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. We have a lot of fish in the 17 to 19 inch range so measure carefully. Make sure you bring a measuring device. Rods must be closely attended. Shoreline access continues to be limited due to expansion efforts.

Many 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 are active. Please be aware as you walk. Stay away from rock piles and high grass. Never try to pick up a snake.

DAM EXPANSION UPDATES & CLOSURES
The North entrance to the reservoir reopened July 14. Some trails are open but many of the trails remain closed as trail work is finalized. Visitors can walk up to the Dam for a spectacular view. Access to the reservoir for fishing on the north end is currently closed. See the CCWD website for details. The Interpretive Center is open from 9:00am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

As mentioned, for now there will be no fishing access from the North entrance as work continues on the trails and fishing structures.

TROUT
Even in 100 degree heat anglers continue to catch trout. We planted trout on Tuesday August 7. We put in 1000 lbs of fish in the 2 to 3 lb range with a few fish as big as 10 pounds. Overall trout fishing is rated fair. Several anglers did very well catching their limits using chartreuse powerworms under a bobber. Anglers continue to take some nice trout casting quarter ounce kastmasters and a variety of other lures. Also the South Cove continues to be your best bet for trout but anglers are catching trout all along the open shoreline. The best way to catch trout this time of year is with nightcrawlers, power worms or power bait. Conditions require you to make pretty long casts. It is also important to use 3 or 4 feet of leader as we are experiencing some weed growth. Using light line also helps; 4 to 6 lb test is plenty. Fishing is best early in the day or late in the day. A Kastmaster in gold or silver with a buck tail has been a favorite lure of several anglers. Blue Fox lures have also been effective. No trout plants are scheduled as we need a stretch of cooler weather and for water temperatures to drop 3 or 4 degrees.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
We have very few anglers focusing on largemouth bass. Over all we continue to rate largemouth bass fishing slow. Part of the reason fishing has been slow is the limited access to prime largemouth areas. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir.

STRIPER
Fishing for stripers continues fair but does offer a chance at some keeper size fish. We continue to see a few limits every day. Stripers from 18 inches to 25 inches are caught by anglers putting in the time. Anchovies, sardines or shad should do the trick. We suggest you take advantage of the 2nd rod stamp available from Fish and Game. 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. Fishing seems best early in the day or late in the day especially when it is hot. Casting swim baits or shad raps will also give you a shot at catching a striper, especially after a trout plant.

SALMON
No reports on salmon this week. We think they are hanging out in deeper/cooler water until the water starts to cool this fall.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish is still slow, probably in part due to the limited access. An occasional catfish is caught by anglers fishing for stripers. A couple of the newly planted catfish in the 2 to 3 pound range were caught by anglers. Anchovies, liver and nightcrawlers all work well. We planted 1000 lbs of catfish on 8/14/12. These fish averaged around 2 lbs. We plan on planting another 1250 lbs of catfish the early in the last week of August. These fish will range from 2 to 6 lbs.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Seven days a week: 6:00am - 8:00pm

These hours will continue through August. Beginning September 1st, our hours will be 7:00am to 7:00pm.