GENERAL CONDITIONS
We continue to experience some very good to excellent fall fishing. Trout and Striped Bass are both active. The water level is 132,500 acre feet. We anticipate the water level to remain stable for most of November. Our water temperature is 62-63 degrees depending on wind conditions and air temperature. Our water clarity is good on most days. We are at the end of the fire season but extreme caution with any fire sources is recommended. The Interpretive Center is open from 9 to 4 on Saturday's and Sunday's.

Our hours from November 1 through February 28 are 7AM to 5PM with boats due in by 3:30 PM

TROUT
Fishing for trout has been very good for anglers fishing with bait in South Cove as well as Oak Point and Cowboy Cove. Trout average a pound and a half but range up to 7 lbs. Limits have been common for skilled anglers. 1000 lbs of Lassen trout were planted on 11-07 and plant is scheduled for 11-12. We anticipate regular trout plants throughout November. Garlic power bait in rainbow, chartreuse power bait, orange mice tails and nightcrawlers are all good choices. A few anglers have been fishing nightcrawlers under slip bobbers and having success. 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. Vary your casting length; most of the time shorter casts are better than longer ones.

Trolling for trout continues to improve and is rated fair to excellent. Anglers trolling a variety of lures report catching trout in the very backs of the major coves. Fish and being located in 10 to 15 feet of water and many of the trout are being caught at about the 5-7 foot level.. Anglers trolling will catch trout on a variety of lures including kastmasters, roostertails, rebels, rapalas, and Thomas Buoyants.

Boating anglers are also catching trout on bait in the major coves. Anglers report catching limits in 8 to 12 feet of water in the very backs of Howden and Cox 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.

We anticipate some great fishing in coming weeks. Many anglers caught both limits of trout and stripers fishing from boats last week. Trout and stripers continue to chase shad all over the reservoir. We anticipate very frequent trout plants to continue through the fall and winter.

LARGEMOUTH BASS
Most anglers were focused on stripers or trout. We continue to hear a few reports on largemouth bass each week. Keep in mind that largemouth need to be 12 inches to be kept. We are hearing about more and more fish in the 10 to 14 inch range. 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 habitat for the bass so we anticipate this fishery to improve over the coming years.

STRIPER
Stripers continue chasing schools of bait fish all over the reservoir and trolling for stripers is now rated very good to excellent. Many anglers reported catching limits of small stripers trolling in Cowboy Cove and Peninsula Cove. These anglers were using shad raps, rattletraps and other lures with shad patterns. When you find the stripers chasing the bait fish stay with the action as long as you can. Cast to the edges of the school and try not to spook the fish.

Currently fishing for stripers with bait is an up and down affair with some anglers catching limits of 18 to 23 inch fish. Cut anchovies or shad will do the trick when bait fishing. Stripers need to be 18 inches or more. A couple of 4 ?? pound stripers were caught in Cowboy Cove from the shore using cut anchovies last week. We continue to see many under size fish being caught and released. Sometimes anglers catch dozens of small fish from 8 to 17 inches. Please release the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible. They are the future of our striped bass fishery.

SALMON
No salmon were reported this week.

CATFISH
Only a few catfish were reported this week. As the water cools we anticipate seeing the catfish action continue to slow down. We encourage and appreciate the release of any monster catfish (15 lbs plus).

GENERAL INFORMATION
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.

We have 2013 State of California Fishing Licenses for sale at the marina. Fish and Wildlife 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.

Hours in November are 7AM to 5 PM with boats due in by 3:30 PM.

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!