The cooling temperatures have led to an increased trout bite at Los Vaqueros Reservoir

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

The cooling temperatures have led to an increased trout bite at Los Vaqueros Reservoir

by Los Vaqueros Staff
11-15-2012
(925) 371-2628
Website

GENERAL CONDITIONS
The marina is back open and we are now offering all the services we have in the past. There are some great new views and new picnic areas. Additional shoreline for fishing and walking has also opened up. We suggest calling 925-371-2628 for exact up to date information. The water level is currently at the 100,000 acre feet. Our water temperature is 61 to 63 degrees. Anglers are having success catching trout, striped bass and catfish.

It is often difficult to give fishing a rating. We have anglers fishing for trout from shore that catch their limit every time they come out. We have other anglers that rarely catch fish. I think the key point is you need to do it right. Little things can make or break you when it comes to catching fish. Please stop by the marina and we will do our best to help you be successful.

The North entrance to the reservoir is open with a few limitations. Most trails are open but a few remain closed. The stairway to the top of the dam is closed due to construction on the fishing steps by the dam. The trail to the right of the dam remains open. Access to the reservoir for fishing on the north end is currently closed. See the CCWD web site for details. The Interpretive Center is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. We are offering some great programs so check out the CCWD web site.

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 and a released 5 lb largemouth bass.

We have 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.

We remind anglers the limit on striped bass is 2 and they need to be at least 18 inches. Make sure you bring a measuring device. Rods must be closely attended.

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.

TROUT
With cooling temperatures and increased trout plants we have seen an improved trout bite. As is often the case some anglers do very well and others struggle to catch a few or two.

The trout being caught average around 2 lbs with fish up to 10 lbs. We planted a double load (2400lbs) on Tuesday November 13. When fishing from shore 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, mice tails or power bait. It is 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. Garlic scents also seem to help your chances. There is no need for heavy weights. Short casts are often more productive than long casts. Some anglers float their baits under slip bobbers. Fishing is best early in the day or late in the day. Anglers also do well throwing kastmasters, blue fox lures and a variety of other trout lures. We see many big fish caught by anglers working a variety of lures. If you are not getting bites we DO NOT recommend staying in one place for longer than an hour. Sometimes a move of 100 yards can make all the difference in the world. Don't be afraid to mix it up a little.

Trollers continued to catch fish all over the reservoir. Many anglers did well pulling broken back Rapala's in Peninsula cove. The Fire tiger color seems to be producing. Another good color is the Rainbow trout pattern. Several anglers caught both trout and striper limits on the same trip. This kind of fishing is really special and an exciting way to catch trout. For those of you that like to troll now is a good time to give it a shot .The end of November should provide some great fishing. Top trout for the week was 5.8 lbs.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
We have very few anglers focusing on largemouth bass. Over all we continue to rate largemouth bass fishing fair. The reservoir is full off excellent bass habitat so throwing a senko around trees and brush should produce some nice largemouth bass. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. The fish we have seen caught were in great condition. Top fish for the week was around 5 lbs.

STRIPER
Trolling for school size stripers from boats continued to be an up and down affair. Some anglers reported catching and releasing 10 to 12 or more fish while others got skunked. Finding fish feeding on the surface was one key to success. If you find feeding fish just about any lure imitating a minnow will work well. Purple and silver or black and silver are good colors. Rattletraps continue to be a favorite for many anglers. Fishing for stripers from the shore continues to be rated fair but there is always a chance at some keeper size fish. We continue to see some limits every day. Stripers from 18 inches to 24 inches are caught by anglers putting in the time. Anchovies, sardines or shad should do the trick. There are many fish in the 12 to17 inch range so measure very carefully. 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 did not see any BIG stripers again this week. Top striper was about 6 lb.

We had some anglers with streamers give stripers a shot last week. They did very well on school size stripers with one boat reporting catching and releasing nearly 50 fish.

SALMON
Still no reports on salmon yet this fall. We suggest anglers give them a try. Trolling a dodger with a lure of your choice behind the dodger could be productive. In the past anglers have caught salmon on kastmasters with tails and Rapala's in silver and black. Vary your depths until you have some success.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish is rated fair for anglers putting in the time. Anchovies, liver and nightcrawlers all work well. Our largest catfish for the week went around 6 lbs. As the water cools off so will the catfish bite.

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.


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