GENERAL CONDITIONS
We continue to experience some very good to excellent summer fishing. Trout and striped bass are both active. The water level is at 119,000 acre feet. The water level is still dropping, albeit at a slower pace. The water temperature has warmed slightly to 70 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.


TROUT
Fishing for trout is holding steady 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. Light tackle is important for catching trout, 4-6 pound test is plenty.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife planted trout on October 1st. There was a Lassen plant of 2000 pounds on September 30th.

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 PowerBait 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 angles 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 habitat for bass, 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 the shore and from boats with some very plump fish being seen. From shore, 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 undersize 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 decently with reports of fish being caught both from shore and from boats. Anchovy continues to be the best choice of bait. 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.