GENERAL CONDITIONS
The water level is now 113,000 acre feet and the water level is rising. Our water temperature is 67- 68 degrees in 3 feet of water and in excellent condition for fishing.

Rattlesnakes continue to be out and active so caution is advised. Watch where you are walking, stay out of high grass and stay out of rocky areas. Never try to pick one up or kill one. Eagles are nesting so some trail closures are in effect. Information on trails is available at the gates, marina or on the CCWD web site.

We are headed into the fire season so extreme caution with any fire sources is required. June is traditionally a windy month so call ahead if you are thinking about renting a boat.

The North entrance to the reservoir is open with a few limitations. Access to the reservoir for fishing at the north entrance is open but requires a strenuous 2 mile hike up and over a major hill. Caution is advised. The fishing platform can not open until the reservoir rises another 12 or 13 feet. See the CCWD web site for details. The Interpretive Center is open from 9 to 4 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Check out some of the special events that are coming up this summer. Information is available on 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 or a released 5 lb largemouth bass.

We have 2013 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 suggest taking advantage of the second rod stamp that is available.

TROUT
We planted 1000 lbs of trout from Mt. Lassen on June 12, June 4, and May 24. Trout fishing continues to provide the best action for anglers at the reservoir.

Fishing for trout has been fair to very good depending on your skill level and luck. Fish average a pound and a half but range up to 5 lbs. We see limits of trout caught every day. Fishing from shore in the South Cove continues to be a good choice for trout but anglers are catching trout all along the open shoreline. Many of the points past the rock wall have been very good lately. Garlic power bait, chartreuse and orange mice tails, rainbow power bait and nightcrawlers are all good choices. Garlic scent on any bait seems to help. It is important to use 3- 4 feet of leader. Using light line also helps; 4 to 6 lb test is plenty. Some anglers use Fluorocarbon leaders. There is no need for heavy weights. Short casts are often more productive than long casts. Anglers catch trout throwing kastmasters, blue fox lures and a variety of other trout lures. Don't be afraid to move locations and change your baits if you are not catching fish.

Trolling for trout is good when you can get on the water. The boats that have gone out have done very well. The successful reports we are receiving are from anglers trolling a variety of Rapala's in Cowboy Cove, off of points and in Howden cove. Mix it up until you start catching fish. The fish are holding between 10 and 15 feet in 25 to 30 feet of water. Try different colors and sizes of lures until you start catching fish. Rapala Countdowns seem to be effective on big trout. Steel green, a rainbow trout pattern and black and silver have been good color choices lately. The fish seem to change their minds on their favorite colors on a daily bases so it is important to switch it up until you find their favorite for the day. Trollers also catch trout on a variety of other lures.

As the weather warms fishing will be better early and late in the day. The mid day heat makes it tough fishing as well as catching. As the water rises we will see lots of changes on where anglers catch fish. If you come out fishing take a good look around you because the next time you are visiting a lot of that shoreline will be covered by water.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
We see a few bass every week but it is still considered slow. Anglers report seeing bass cruise by but they seem very difficult to catch. As the reservoir level continues to rise more and more excellent bass habitat will be created. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. When the winds let up and anglers are able to explore other areas of the reservoir we hope to see an improvement in the largemouth fishing. Top bass this week was around 3.5 lbs.

STRIPER
Not much to report from anglers fishing from boats for stripers. Anglers trolling continue to take some school size stripers.

Fishing for stripers from the shore has picked up some and a few anglers are catching limits. Anchovies or shad should do the trick when bait fishing. Stripers need to be 18 inches or more. We are seeing lots of under size fish being caught and released. Please release the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible. They are the future of our striped bass fishery. We have not seen any large striped bass caught recently as all the keeper stripers are in the 18 to 22 inch range. We did not see the fish but we heard rumors of a 10 lb range bass caught over the weekend.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish surprisingly continues hit and miss. Anchovies, liver, mackerel and nightcrawlers all will catch catfish. We suggest fishing with as little weight as possible and watch for very soft bites. The back of cowboy cove and the south cove are good bets. We encourage and appreciate the release of any monster catfish (20 lbs plus). No big catfish were weighted in this week. Top fish went around 5 lbs.

HOURS OF OPERATION
Open seven days a week 6:00am - 8:00pm
Boats are due in by 6:30pm.
These hours remain in effect through August.

We encourage all anglers to report their stories, comments, or concerns to the Marina. Or, email csenti@calparksco.com. Thanks again for choosing Los Vaqueros Reservoir as your recreation destination.

On behalf of Los Vaqueros Recreation Company... Boat safely, and happy fishing!