GENERAL CONDITIONS
The very high temperatures we experienced had a major impact on the fishing. We are beginning to see anglers catch a few more trout, striped bass, largemouth bass and catfish. Stripers and trout are proving the best action. The water level is now 120,000 acre feet and the water level continues to rise. This is more water than the reservoir has ever had. We are at 75% of the new capacity level. We anticipate the water continuing to rise through the month of July. Our water temperature is 69-70 degrees and in decent condition for fishing. We need some cooler weather and windy days to improve the water conditions and this will lead to an improved success catch rate.

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. They are more active in the mornings and late in the afternoon. Never try to pick one up or kill one.

We are in the fire season so extreme caution with any fire sources is required. We do close barbeques on very high fire danger days. Extreme caution is advised when fishing or hiking on these very hot days.

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 1.5 mile hike up and over a major hill. Caution is advised. The fishing platform can not open until the reservoir rises another 7 to 9 feet. See theCCWD web site for details. The Interpretive Center is open from 9 to 4 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Fish Plants
In an effort to get our warm water fishery going again we have recently planted 1500 baby bluegill, 1000 baby largemouth bass and 1000 red ear sunfish. These fish were carefully placed around the reservoir in heavy vegetation growth. It is our hope they will avoid the larger fish and provide some action for anglers in the coming years. With all the new places for fish to hide we anticipate some of these fish successfully spawning next spring and summer.

We planted 3000 lbs of trout in June. We will not be able to plant any trout until our water temperatures go down and conditions improve. We are hoping for a few days in the 70's and some strong winds.

We planted 1200 lbs of channel catfish averaging 2 lbs on June 27. We plan on stocking another load of catfish towards the end of next week.

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
Fishing for trout has been fair depending on your skill level and luck. Fish average a pound and a half but range up to 6 lbs. Limits has been difficult to come by in this hot weather but we have seen some. Many of the points east of the marina and past the rock wall have been producing a few trout 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. There is no need for heavy weights. Longer casts might be needed in this hot weather.

Trolling for trout is fair when you can get on the water. The successful reports we are receiving are from anglers trolling a variety of Rapala's in Cowboy Cove, off of points and in the mouth of Howden cove. Trolling has clearly slowed down from a month ago. Mix it up until you start catching fish. The fish seem to be holding between 14 and 18 feet in 25 to 30 feet of water. Vary your depths until you start getting strikes. Look for areas that have decent visibility and are free of algae. Try different colors and sizes of lures until you start catching fish. 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 including kastmasters, roostertails and Thomas Bouyants.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
Bass fishing is considered slow. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. We are not seeing very many anglers focus on largemouth. In the past senko's have always been a good choice for Los Vaqueros largemouth.

STRIPER
Fishing for stripers with bait is an up and down affair but many anglers are catching limits of 18 to 23 inch fish. Cut anchovies or shad should do the trick when bait fishing. Stripers need to be 18 inches or more. We are seeing many 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 23 inch range. Fishing from the pier below the marina has been a good location. Several boats came back with limits caught on cut anchovies fishing some of the points throughout the reservoir. Anglers trolling continue to pick up a few stripers on a wide variety of lures.

CATFISH
Fishing for catfish surprising 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 was 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.