Los Vaqueros Fishing Report

Los Vaqueros Reservoir - Livermore, CA (Contra Costa County)


by Los Vaqueros Staff
4-18-2022
(925) 371-2628
Website

Trout are biting! We planted 1,000 lbs. of Lassen trout on April 6, 2022, and are planting weekly.

The water temperature is currently 59 degrees. The water level is currently at 95,000 acre feet. Our water clarity has been good except for windy days. If you are looking to rent a boat it is always a good idea to call ahead to check current wind conditions. We do our best to advise, but are limited to the National Weather Service forecast. Remember; rental boats are first come first serve. Weekends and some weekdays sell out quickly.

  • 2022 Annual Passes now available at the Marina and North Gate. 
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing Licenses are available for purchase at the Marina.
  • Marina is open from 6am to 7:30pm daily. Masks are recommended indoors. Bait and tackle available for purchase, as well as refreshments and Los Vaqueros gear.
  • Observe the speed limit coming into the Marina. Our wildlife is looking for water and cross our roads routinely. Please help us protect them. They can cause significant damage to your vehicle if hit as well. 
  • Remember to pack it in, pack it out. With higher attendance, we are noticing more trash on the shoreline. This includes fish line. We appreciate everyone’s effort to keep our watershed clean! 
  • The Interpretive Center is open weekends from 9am to 4pm. Masks are recommended indoors.

Trout

Shore anglers have the most success using garlic scented Powerbait followed by night crawlers. Trolling is doing fairly well especially in the backs of coves. Light tackle is important for catching trout. 4-6-pound test is plenty. Fishing has been good. On days the winds allow boats we have seen a number of limits as well as anglers with just a couple. Remember: Limit is 5 per angler for the day.

Largemouth Bass

Most anglers were focused on stripers or trout. Keep in mind that largemouth need to be 12 inches to be kept. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch; they are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. If you catch any undersized fish please release them gently and allow them to grow up. There have been reports that jigging near rocky shores has been successful.  

Stripers

Striper fishing is mixed with both shakers and legal sized fish being caught from around the reservoir. Cut anchovies or shad is the bait of choice, either from shore or a boat. Cowboy Cove and Howden Cove seem to be the hot spot for stripers. Just a reminder, stripers need to be 18 inches or more to be legal. Please release the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible. They are the future of our striped bass fishery.

Catfish

Last plant was August 21. For those wishing to target catfish, chicken liver and anchovies are the best choices of bait. There has been a steady number of catfish being caught around the reservoir. South Cove, Cowboy Cove and Oak Point have been mentioned by our anglers.

Whopper Mug Rules

  • Trout must be 8 pounds
  • Striped Bass need to be at least 10 pounds 
  • Catfish is at 12 pounds or more 
  • Largemouth Bass remains at 5 pounds and must be released 

Please note: ONLY a photo with a scale or a measuring tape showing the fish being at least 18” will count.

Fish Limits

  • Catfish - 10
  • Black Bass - 5 (minimum length 12 inches)
  • Trout - 5
  • Salmon - 5
  • Crappie - 25
  • Striped Bass - 2 (minimum length 18 inches)


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