GENERAL CONDITIONS
The south entrance to the reservoir continues open for shore fishing only. We are tentatively planning on opening the marina and boat rentals on September 29. We recommend calling (925) 371-2628 for up to date information. The water level is currently at the 472 feet level. Our water temperature is 70 to 73 degrees on the surface and 68 degrees at 30 feet. We are starting to see some algae blooms depending on water temperatures, wind and air temperatures. Anglers are taking a few trout, a few striped bass and some catfish every day.

Saturday, Sept 8 is California State FREE Fishing Day! Free fishing day is almost here! On September 8 fishing will be free for anyone and everyone! No license and no fishing permit are required, so come on down to Los Vaqueros Reservoir and try your chances at catching a whopper!

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 about a dozen this week.

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.

Make sure you bring a measuring device. Rods must be closely attended.

Shoreline access continues to be limited due to expansion efforts but should open up in late September.
Use caution as rattlesnakes are active. Please be aware as you walk. Stay away from rock piles and high grass. Never try and pick up a snake.

DAM EXPANSION UPDATES & CLOSURES
The North entrance to the reservoir reopened July 14 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 to 4 on Saturday's and Sunday's. As mentioned for now there will be no fishing access from the North entrance as final work continues on the fishing structures.

TROUT
We have temporarily stopped planting trout due to the warm water conditions. We plan to start planting trout again when water temperatures will allow. Overall trout fishing is rated slow but a few anglers continue to catch fish. 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 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. Anglers take a few fish casting lures. Cooler days and cooler water will improve the trout bite.

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. The few fish we have seen caught were in great condition.

STRIPER
Fishing for stripers continues to be rated fair but there is a chance at some keeper size fish. We continue to see a few limits every day. Stripers from 18 inches to 24 inches are caught by anglers putting in the time. Anchovies, sardines or shad should do the trick. Fishing seems best early in the day or late in the day especially when it is hot. There are many fish in the 15 inch to 20 inch range so measure very carefully. Stripers need to be 18 inches or more. Please release the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible. They are the future of our fishery.

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. It should be interesting to see what happens in late September and early October.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish has improved but is rated just fair. Anchovies, liver and nightcrawlers all work well.

We planted 1000 lbs of catfish on August 14. These fish averaged around 2 lbs. We planted another 1250 lbs of catfish on August 27. These fish ranged from 2 to 6 lbs. We plan to plant another load of catfish the second week in September.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Seven days a week: 7:00am - 7:00pm