Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz trolled Los Vaqueros Reservoir (LVR) extensively on 6/29/26, looking for Rainbow Trout and Striped Bass. We hit all the major coves in the reservoir, but caught all the fish on the eastern shoreline (mainly in the areas of Howden snd East Coves), While we typically catch Trout stacked up in the back of the coves in shallow water, the pattern in recent weeks has shifted to deeper water columns at the entrance of coves. Such was the case on this outing. The fish were almost invariably in 30-50 foot water columns. We caught 11 fish, including 1 small Striper (released), and 10 Mt. Lassen Rainbow Trout (2 released). One Trout  was caught on a Fire Tiger J-9 Jointed Rapala, while the other 9 were caught on single hook and tandem hook streamer flies. The streamers included Mickey Finns, Clousers, and a tandem hook Black Ghost, all trolled 10-20 feet below the surface. We used an action “Wiggle Disc” in front of the streamers to induce a more vibrating action. Krill, anise, and Rainbow Trophy trout scents were applied to the lures.

It is interesting that while the fish were in deeper water columns, they were hitting our presentations trolled only 10-20 feet below the surface, often less than 15 feet  down.

Pictured here is Al with a big Mt. Lassen Rainbow (4.17 pounds), caught on a streamer along the eastern shore close to the dam. Also pictured are our 8 Trout in the boat and on the boat dock with Paul and Al. The total weight of the 8 kept Mt. Lassen Trout was 18 pounds. Paul also had a very large fish on the line in the northeast section of the lake, again in deeper water at a cove’s entrance, but it broke the line—-powerful fish, likely a big Striper!

Beautiful day, both in terms of the weather and the quality fishing! Lucky to get out at all, given the recent heavy winds. The water  was very clear, with a surface temperature ranging from 66-70 degrees. Hope to see you soon, if the winds behave.

All the best,
Dr. Al Hurwitz, Saratoga
Paul Clouse, Lafayette