GENERAL CONDITIONS
This is a great time of year to visit Los Vaqueros. The hills are green and look spectacular. There are birds, deer, coyotes and lots of other wildlife to see. Trout fishing has been good. Additional shoreline for fishing and walking is open. We suggest calling (925) 371-2628 for exact up to date information. The water level is currently at the 100,000 acre feet. Our water temperature is 55 to 56 degrees. The reservoir is not muddy so fishing conditions are very good. Anglers are having success catching trout, a few striped bass and a few catfish. The shoreline is muddy so we suggest wearing rubber boots.

The North entrance to the reservoir is open with a few limitations. Access to the reservoir for fishing at the north entrance is open but requires a strenuous 2 mile hike up and over a big hill. See the CCWD web site for details. The Interpretive Center is open from 9 to 4 on Saturdays and Sundays.

PLEASE NOTE:
We are still giving out Whopper mugs. Our program has changed some so check with us at the marina. It takes a 5 lb trout to earn a mug, 12 lb striper, 12 lb catfish and a released 5 lb largemouth bass.

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

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.

TROUT
Fish and Game planted 8000 half pound trout the week of December 17. We planted 1000 lbs of Lassen trout on December 20.

Fishing for trout has been very good. The trout being caught average from a half pound to 2 lbs with fish up to 6 lbs. When fishing from shore the South Cove continues to be a good choice for trout but anglers are catching trout all along the open shoreline. We have seen limits caught on both sides of the rock wall. The best way to catch trout this time of year is with nightcrawlers, power worms, orange mice tails or garlic power bait. It is important to use 2-3 feet of leader. Using light line also helps; 4 to 6 lb test is plenty. Some anglers use Fluorocarbon leaders. There is no need for heavy weights. Short casts are often more productive than long casts. Some anglers float their baits under slip bobbers. Anglers also do well throwing kastmasters, blue fox lures and a variety of other trout lures. Casting lures seems to produce a lot of large trout.

Anglers who enjoy trolling continue to catch fish all over the reservoir. The best reports we are receiving are from anglers trolling a variety of Rapala's or Kastmaster's in Peninsula cove or along the East shoreline. Mix it up until you start catching fish. Try different colors and sizes until you start catching fish. The Fire tiger color seems to be producing. Another good color is the Rainbow trout pattern. 6 to 8 lb test line is about right. This kind of fishing is really special and an exciting way to catch trout. For those of you that like to troll now is a good time to give it a shot. Regulars are catching trout every time out.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
We have very few anglers focusing on largemouth bass. Over all we continue to rate largemouth bass fishing fair. The reservoir is full off excellent bass habitat so throwing a senko around trees and brush should produce some largemouth bass action. As the water gets colder it is important to fish your senko very slowly. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. We are hearing reports of some under size largemouth's being caught and released. The fish we have seen caught were in great condition. Top fish last week was just under 5 lbs.

STRIPER
Trolling for school size stripers from boats has slowed some but some anglers continue to catch fish. Purple and silver or black and silver are good colors. Rattletraps continue to be a favorite for many anglers. Rapala's are a close second. Fishing for stripers from the shore has slowed but there is always a chance at some keeper size fish. Stripers from 18 inches to 24 inches are caught by anglers putting in the time. Anchovies, sardines or shad should do the trick. There are many fish in the 16 to 17 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 did have a 36 lb striper caught and released on December 24. The fish was caught by Erik Patzer. He was working a Huddleston Deluxe.

SALMON
No salmon were reported this week.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish is rated slow. Anchovies, liver and nightcrawlers all will catch catfish. The water is cold so the catfish are pretty lazy. Fish with as little weight as possible and watch for very soft bites. We did see a couple fish in the 10 lb range on stripers. These fish were observed in the south cove.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Open seven days a week 7:00am - 5:00pm
Boats are due in by 3:30pm.
These hours are in effect through February.