GENERAL CONDITIONS
February is a great time of year to visit Los Vaqueros. The hills are green and views are spectacular. There are a wide variety of birds and animals to see. The water level is currently rising about 4 inches per day and will continue coming up through mid February. The water level is now 114,000 acre feet. Our water temperature is 51 degrees.

We have seen a few rattlesnakes already this year so caution is advised. Watch where you are walking, stay out of high grass and stay out of rocky areas. Remember they just want to stay away from you so never try to pick one up or kill one.

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 major hill. Caution is advised. See the CCWD web sit 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 or a released 5 lb largemouth bass.

We have 2013 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.

TROUT
We planted a 1000 lbs load of Mt. Lassen trout on Thursday, Feb 7. California Fish and Wildlife also planted 1000 lbs on the 7th. We are planting another load of 1000 lbs of Lassen Trout on Wednesday, Feb 13.

Fishing for trout has been good. There are nice trout caught every day. Some anglers do very well while others just enjoy the beautiful scenery. The trout being caught average from a pound to 2 lbs with fish up to 7 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. Cowboy cove is now open to the very back of the cove and has been producing some very nice limits. The best way to catch trout from shore 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 few more large trout than bait fishing. A garlic scent on any bait seems to help. A few anglers even dip or spray their lures in garlic scent.

Trolling is slow to fair but anglers who enjoy trolling continue to catch a few fish from 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 the East cove. Mix it up until you start catching fish. Big fish seems to be hanging on points and in the mouths of the major coves. Try different colors and sizes until you start catching fish. Fishing from boats with bait in the very back of coves has been very good. Regulars are catching trout every time out. With the water rising conditions on the reservoir and locations of fish are changing daily. Sometimes it takes a while for you to find the fish or for the fish to find you.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
Over all we continue to rate largemouth bass fishing slow. The reservoir is full off excellent bass habitat so throwing a senko around trees and brush should produce some largemouth bass action. Since the water is cold 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.

STRIPER
Trolling for school size stripers from boats is very slow but a few anglers continue to catch a fish or two. Fishing for stripers from the shore is also slow but there is always a chance at some keeper size fish. Some stripers from 18 inches to 24 inches are caught by anglers putting in the time. Anchovies, sardines or shad should do the trick. 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 hope striper fishing will improve when our water warms back up a little.

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.

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.