GENERAL CONDITIONS
We continue to experience some very good to excellent fall fishing. Trout and striped bass are both active. The water level is at 119,500 acre feet. The water level is still dropping, albeit at a slower rate. The water temperature has dropped slightly to 68-69 degrees. Our water clarity continues to be good. There are a lot of fry in the lake and we are seeing an increase in boils, especially early in the morning and in the late afternoon.

A 13.5 pound catfish was caught at the mouth of South Cove using an anchovy.


TROUT
Fishing for trout is picking up a bit with limits of trout starting to show up here and there. They are being caught in South Cove and about the lake. Peninsula, Howden and Cowboy coves all have reported trout. The baits of choice for shore anglers is garlic scented PowerBaits or nightcrawlers. Trout average a pound and a half but range to over 5 lbs. The Department of Fish and Wildlife will be planting trout the week of September 28th. Light tackle is important for catching trout, 4-6 pound test is plenty.

Boating anglers are catching trout on bait and by casting lures in the major coves. Some trout are being caught in Cowboy and Peninsula coves. Use a bobber or very small weights. Nightcrawlers or power bait is the way to go. There is no need for line heavier than 6 lb test. We suggest moving every half hour or so until you find some feeding fish. There were plenty of limits of regular sized fish seen from both shore and boats. Anglers are catching fish scattered along the shore with the South Cove reporting the most fish as many anglers are choosing that cove.


LARGEMOUTH BASS
Most anglers were focused on stripers or trout. Some anglers have been working the shore around structure and several bass have been caught and released. Some largemouth have been seen and reported being caught from boats. Keep in mind that largemouth need to be 12 inches to be kept. Please release any big largemouth bass you might catch. They are the future of largemouth bass fishing in the reservoir. The reservoir is now full of excellent bass habitat, so we anticipate this fishery to improve over the coming years.


STRIPERS
Limits of stripers are still coming out of the lake. Some limits of 18-24 inch fish are being caught both off shore and from boats with some very plump fish being seen. A 27", 5.98 pound striper was caught in East Cove using a Rat-L-Trap. Cut anchovies or shad is the bait of choice. Stripers need to be 18 inches or more. We are continuing to see a significant number of under-size fish being caught and released with reports of 20-30 shakers not being uncommon. Please release the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible. They are the future of our striped bass fishery.


CATFISH
Catfish are doing better with reports of fish being caught both from shore and from boats. There was a 1,030 pound plant of catfish on the 28th of August. Anchovy continues to be the best choice of bait. A 13.5 pound catfish was caught at the mouth of South Cove using an anchovy. We encourage and appreciate the release of any monster catfish (15 lbs plus).


GENERAL
We are still giving out Whopper mugs. It takes a 5 lb trout to earn a mug, 12 lb striper, 12 lb catfish or a released 5 lb largemouth bass

Don't forget you need both your 2014 State of California Fishing License, on sale at the marina, and a daily fishing access permit to fish at Los Vaqueros. Fish and Wildlife has been checking fishing licenses so make sure you have one for everyone 16 and over. We suggest taking advantage of the second rod stamp that is available.