Los Vaqueros's Fishing Conditions
Week of September 16, 2012

GENERAL CONDITIONS
The south entrance to the reservoir continues open for shore fishing only. We are tentatively planning on opening additional shoreline, the marina and boat rentals on October 1. We recommend calling (925) 371-2628 for up to date information. The water level is currently at the 473 foot level. Our water temperature is 68 to 70 degrees on the surface and 66 degrees at 30 feet. We are starting to see some algae blooms depending on water temperatures, wind and air temperatures. Anglers are catching trout, a few striped bass and some catfish every day.

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 continue to give out some every 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 early October.

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. The stairway to the top of the dam has been closed due to construction on the fishing steps by the dam. The trail to the right of the dam remains open. 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
With cooling water temperatures we were able to plant 1000 lbs of trout on Tuesday, September 18. The fish averaged around 2 lbs with fish up to 6 lbs. Overall trout fishing is rated fair to good. 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 also do well throwing kastmasters, blue fox lures and a variety of other trout lures. We see lots of big fish caught by anglers working lures.

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 some 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. We are starting to see a few boils every evening. It won't be long before anglers start taking stripers with lures. When we get out boat rentals going again anglers should do well trolling.

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 early October.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish has improved and is rated just fair to good for anglers putting in the time. Anchovies, liver and nightcrawlers all work well.

We planted 1000 lbs of catfish on September 12. These fish averaged around 2 lbs. Anglers are catching them on mackerel, anchovies, nightcrawlers and liver.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Seven days a week: 7:00am - 7:00pm
We encourage all anglers to report their stories, comments, or concerns to the Marina. Or, email csenti@calparksco.com. Thanks again for choosing Los Vaqueros Reservoir as your recreation destination.