Los Vaqueros
Trout and Stripers Reward Rental Boaters on Windless Days
LIVERMORE – Anglers fishing Los Vaqueros Reservoir are catching a mixture of rainbow trout, channel catfish and striped bass at this time. The persistent wind has been the biggest factor, keeping the rental boats tied up at the marina dock many days over the past several weeks.
When the boats are able to get out, anglers are hooking a mixture of trout, stripers and catfish throughout the lake, according to Manuel Bermudez at the Los Vaqueros Marina.
“The best report lately was when a couple of anglers caught 8 quality catfish averaging 3 to 4 pounds while fishing in Howden Cove,” said Bermudez. “They also bagged limits of stripers in the 18 to 24 inch range while using anchovies.”
Two other anglers caught 8 trout in the 2 pound class while trolling in Howden and Cox Coves from a rental boat.
There are also trout and stripers being caught by persistent anglers off the Marina Pier. Two fishermen weighed in two keeper stripers, one largemouth bass and one trout after fishing anchovies soaked in garlic Bang scent on a recent trip off the pier, said Bermudez.
“There have been a few times that stripers have boiled on bait lately, but not a lot,” he noted. “During the boils is a good time to toss out ripbaits and other lures.”
Rental boaters can target the trout with spinners, spoons, Rapalas and trolling flies, while shore anglers can hook trout while tossing out PowerBait, nightcrawlers, Kastmasters and micro-jigs.
A channel catfish plant of 1,000 pounds went into Los Vaqueros on August 4 and a previous load of catfish went into the lake on July 22. Bermudez said a total of 4,000 pounds of cats have been planted in the lake this summer so far.
The reservoir will be planted with catfish every other week until the fall when the water temperature and weather cool down and rainbow trout plants resume.
South Cove, the pier near the marina, Cowboy Cove and Howden Cove are among the better spots to target striped bass and catfish with anchovies, Power Bait and other offerings.
If you are interested in renting a boat, the marina recommends calling ahead to check current wind conditions as they are unpredictable and can impact the ability to safely rent boats to visitors. Wind speeds change suddenly and boat rentals are typically suspended when they exceed 15 MPH and when heavy gusts are forecasted. Remember – rental boats are first come, first served. Weekends and some weekdays sell out quickly. For more information, call (925) 371-2628.
- Dan Bacher
