Los Vaqueros Trout & Catfish action is fair, Bass are spawning, Stripers is the best action

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


by Urban Park Concessionaires
5-18-2012
(925) 426-3060
Website

GENERAL CONDITIONS
The south entrance to the reservoir continues open for shore fishing. Just a reminder the marina and boat rentals are closed until mid or late July. We recommend calling (925) 371-2628 for up to date information. The water level is currently at 47 percent of the new high water mark. Our water temperature is 64 degrees. Water conditions are excellent for fishing.

DAM EXPANSION UPDATES & CLOSURES
Most of the expansion work is complete at the North entrance to the reservoir and we expect to re-open on Saturday, July 14. The south entrance to the reservoir continues to have shoreline open to anglers. Please call 925.371.2628 for specific information.

TROUT
Trout fishing is rated fair overall, but a few anglers have done very well. We see a few limits each day and the top trout last week was 6.9 pounds taken by Manny Reyes. He took his big fish on power bait. The South Cove continues to be your best bet for trout. 1000 lbs of 1.5 to 2.5 lb trout were planted on Monday, May 7 with about 10 to 15 fish in the 6 to 8 lb range. These were bright beautiful fish from the Mt. Lassen Trout Farm. The best way to catch trout this time of year is with nightcrawlers, power worms or power bait. There is no need for long casts or heavy weights. The fish will be pretty close to shore. Using light line helps, 4 to 6 lb test is plenty. Anglers also take some trout casting kastmasters and a variety of other lures. Most anglers continue to focus on stripers but we are beginning to see more and more trout anglers.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
We have very few anglers focusing on largemouth bass. Over all we rate largemouth bass fishing slow. Part of the reason it is slow is the limited access to prime largemouth areas. Our largemouth bass are beginning to start the spawning process. Please practice catch and release. We heard rumors of a 7 or 8 lb largemouth bass caught and released by an angler throwing a senko.

STRIPERS
Fishing for stripers continues to offer a chance at some quality fish. Fishing continues to be hit and miss. We continue to see a few limits almost every day. Stripers from 18 inches to 8 lbs are caught by anglers putting in the time. Striped bass will average between 4 to 6 lbs. Anchovies, sardines or shad should do the trick. We suggest you take advantage of the 2nd rod stamp available from Fish and Game. Many anglers will use different baits on each rod. On slow days we see 5 to 10 bass and on good days 20 to 30 bass. One key to catching striped bass is to put in the time. It is a bit of a waiting game. Another key is to keep your bait in good condition and make sure your hooks are well baited throughout the day. Casting swim baits or shad raps will also give you a shot at catching a striper.

SALMON
No reports of salmon .Very few anglers are focusing on salmon.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish is still slow but should improve with warming water. An occasional catfish is caught by anglers fishing for stripers. Anchovies, liver and nightcrawlers all work well. Mackerel is a favorite of our big catfish. Several fish over 15lbs were caught last week.

GENERAL
We are still giving out Whopper mugs so if you catch a big fish stop by the kiosk and weigh it on your way out of the park. We gave three away on Tuesday, one for a big largemouth bass and two for trout in the 6 or 7 pound range.

We have State of California Fishing Licenses for sale at the kiosk.

Fish and Game has been checking fishing licenses so make sure you have one for everyone aged 16 and 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. Citations have been given recently to anglers for over limits.

Shoreline access continues to be limited due to expansion efforts. Most hiking trails are currently closed for renovation or Eagle nesting.

We have begun to weigh and measure striped bass as a sampling project. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Use caution as rattlesnakes are active.


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