Fishing at Los Vaqueros is slow mainly because of limited access

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


by Urban Park Concessionaires
7-16-2012
(925) 426-3060
Website

GENERAL CONDITIONS
The south entrance to the reservoir continues open for shore fishing only. Just a reminder the marina and boat rentals are closed until mid or late August. We recommend calling (925) 371-2628 for up to date information. The water level is currently at 54% of the new high water mark. Our water temperature is 68 to 70 degrees. Water conditions are good for fishing. Water is currently being pumped into the reservoir.

PLEASE NOTE:
We are still giving out Whopper mugs so if you catch a big fish stop by the kiosk on your way out of the park. We gave away 7 mugs last week for trout over 5 lbs.

We have State of California Fishing Licenses for sale at the kiosk. Fish and Game has been checking fishing licenses so make such you have one for everyone 16 or 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 and under size fish. Make sure you bring a measuring device. Rods must be closely attended.

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. Please be aware as you walk. Stay away from rock piles and high grass. Never try and pick up a snake.

DAM EXPANSION UPDATES & CLOSURES
The North entrance to the reservoir reopened July 14. Some trails are open but many of the trails remain closed as trail work is finalized. Visitors can walk up to the Dam for a spectacular view. Access to the reservoir for fishing on the north end is currently closed. See the CCWD website for details. The Interpretive Center is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

As mentioned for now there will be no fishing access from the North entrance as work continues on the trails and fishing structures.

TROUT
We are hoping to plant another load of trout on Thursday July 19. We plan to put in 1000 lbs of fish in the 2 lb range with a few fish as big as 10 pounds.

Overall trout fishing is rated fair but some anglers have had very good success. We see a few limits most days but the average is about 1 fish per angler. The South Cove continues to be your best bet for trout but anglers are catching trout all along the open shoreline. The best way to catch trout this time of year is with nightcrawlers, power worms or power bait. Conditions have changed and it is now necessary to make pretty long casts. It is also important to use 3 or 4 feet of leader as we are experiencing some weed growth. Using light line also helps; 4 to 6 lb test is plenty. Dale Bradley took an 8.75 lb trout on powerbait fishing in the south cove. We also saw a half dozen trout in the 5 lb range. Anglers will also take some trout casting kastmasters and a variety of other lures. A quarter Ounce kastmaster in gold or silver with a buck tail has been a favorite lure of several anglers. Blue Fox lures have also been effective.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
We have very few anglers focusing on largemouth bass. Over all we continue to rate largemouth bass fishing slow. Part of the reason fishing has been slow is the limited access to prime largemouth areas. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. Thank You in advance.

STRIPER
Fishing for stripers continues to offer a chance at some keeper size fish. We still continue to see some limits every day although overall fishing is rated just fair. Stripers from 18 inches to 6 lbs are caught by anglers putting in the time. Anchovies, sardines or shad should do the trick. We suggest you take advantage of the 2nd rod stamp available from Fish and Game. 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, especially after a trout plant. A few anglers use one rod for trout and the other for stripers.

SALMON
No reports on salmon this week.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish is still slow, probably in part due to the limited access. An occasional catfish is caught by anglers fishing for stripers. Anchovies, liver and nightcrawlers all work well.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Seven days a week: 6:00am - 8:00pm These hours will continue through August.


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More Reports

7-5-2012
GENERAL CONDITIONS The south entrance to the reservoir continues open for shore fishing. Just a reminder the marina and boat rentals are closed until August. We recommend calling (925) 371-2628 for up to date information. The water level is currently at 52% of the new high water mark. Our water temperature is 67 to 69 degrees. Water conditions are good for fishing. Water is currently being pumped into the reservoir. The State of California is offering a no license required fishing day...... Read More

6-8-2012
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 unchanged at 47 percent of the new high water mark. Our water temperature is 66 degrees. Water conditions are excellent for fishing. Water levels will start to increase this month. We continued to have very windy weather last week...... Read More