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Los Vaqueros Is Like A New Reservoir
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Los Vaqueros Newsletter

May, 2017

More Water Brings a Fishing Reset 
 

With the water level higher than it has ever been, anglers are finding fishing at Los Vaqueros Reservoir is very different. It's like learning how to fish at a new lake.

Pumping has stopped at the reservoir, and Los Vaqueros – the largest reservoir in the Bay Area -- is nearly full for the first time since it was expanded in 2012.

Water is lapping near the wall of the Marina, and the staff says they’ve seen anglers fishing from the wall of the picnic area. That’s never happened before, since the wall has always been well above the water line.

When driving into the south side of the reservoir, regular visitors notice immediately the South Cove boat ramp (where most of the stocked fish are released) has almost completely disappeared.

If you rent a boat, be sure to see how much larger Cowboy and Peninsula coves are now, or hike there. 

The staff at the Marina has done a good job of putting buoys on the lake to warn boaters to stay clear of what used to be peninsulas and are now tiny islands.

Our shade structures on the shoreline along the south side near the South Cove are just a very short walk away from the water. 

On the north side of the reservoir, the fishing steps near the dam remain usable, though most of the steps are now underwater.

Despite the rapid rise in the water level, all three fishing piers on the reservoir are available.You don’t need to walk down a steep incline to get to them. The boat dock ramp is almost flat.
  
With high water quality in the Delta, it’s unlikely CCWD will need any water from LV soon. You can expect the water level to remain up here for quite some time. 
Los Vaqueros Reservoir is at its highest level right now. The District stopped pumping Sunday night. This photo was shot from the Marina on Tuesday.  

More Water Also Means More Snakes
 

With the record water level, we’ve noticed a lot of snakes have moved to higher ground, including rattlesnakes.  So, please, stay aware of your surroundings; watch and listen for rattlesnakes.

If you're fishing near the Rock Wall, be especially careful as there are lots of places for snakes to hide. 

Be sure to stay on the trails.

We’ve also seen quite a few rattlers swimming in the water.  They’re very good swimmers, so watch for them if you are boating.

If you see a rattler, tell our staff at the Marina (925 371-2628) and they will move the snakes to a safe location.

 

One of Two Pontoon Boats Back In Service
 

One of our two pontoon boats is back in service and available for rental  Both pontoon boats were damaged during a storm in February.  The other boat is at the shop now and we expect it to be back in service soon.
 

Windy Spring Weather Limits Boat Rentals
 

It’s been a windy spring,  and we have not had a lot of days where we can rent boats.

We advise those considering coming out to LV to call the Marina at (925) 371-2628.  The Livermore Airport weather forecast is very accurate, so you can see what’s coming.  We also have online weather that is updated hourly from a remote station on a hill near the South Cove. 

LV Fishing Report

Trout fishing is doing very well at Los Vaqueros. Catfish were productive last week while stripers remain slow. Our water clarity has improved to good. Water temperature has dropped to around 63 degrees.   

We’re open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. with boats due back at 6 p.m.

TROUT

Fishing for trout continues to be very good.  They are being caught in South Cove and Oak Point as well as Cowboy Cove.  The baits of choice for shore anglers are garlic-scented PowerBaits, nightcrawlers or Kastmaster lures.  Trout average a pound and a half but range to over 5 lbs.  There was a 1,000 pound Lassen plant on May 5th.  We will be planting again this week. In 2017, we have planted 12,500 pounds of trout.  Light tackle is important for catching trout with 4-6 pound test being plenty.  Trout fishing is best in the morning, with fish being caught around the reservoir.

With boats, we are getting reports of fish being caught in Cox and Peninsula coves. Trolling for trout is going fairly well using Rapalas in Fire Tiger, trout and silver patterns. There is no need for line heavier than 6 lb test. Kastmasters from shore are doing well. A 6.68 pound fish was caught in South Cove using PowerBait.  Due to windy conditions , there were few boats out this past week but those that were able to get out had success about the reservoir.

LARGEMOUTH BASS

Most anglers were focused on stripers or trout.  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.  If you catch any of undersized fish please release them gently and allow them to grow up. 

STRIPERS

Striper fishing has slowed due to the murkier waters from the rain.  Shakers are the main action with striped bass.  We are still seeing a number of undersized fish being caught for every keeper.  From shore, cut anchovies or shad is the bait of choice.  Just a reminder, stripers need to be 18 inches or more to be legal.  Please release the small fish as quickly and carefully as possible.  They are the future of our striped bass fishery.

CATFISH

Catfish were still productive last week with fish still being reported out of Cowboy and South coves.  As the water warms we look to see more fish being caught.  For those wishing to target catfish, chicken liver and anchovies are the best choices of bait.

Free Fishing Clinic
Saturday, June 3
9 a.m. to 11 a.m
Los Vaqueros Marina

 

Learn everything you’ve wanted to know about lake fishing.
From bait and knots to trolling and cleaning, our experienced staff will provide tips to help you reel in the big one. Clinics are tailored to participants’ skill levels. Open to all ages. Come with questions.

 

Leaf Print a Tree Shirt

Saturday, June 3
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
John Muir Interpretive Center
 

Print wearable works of art using Mother Nature’s leafy inspiration. We’ll learn to recognize different native trees and create our own treeshirts! Bring a light-colored T-shirt, or purchase one (we will have a limited supply) for $5. Wear clothes that can get messy. Great for all ages and scout groups! Call 925-688-8010 to register.
 

Stargazing: Saturn in Opposition

Saturday, June 17
8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 
Kellogg Creek Picnic Area


Earth flies between Saturn and the Sun during this week, which means Saturn—in a position called opposition—will be close and bright in the night sky. Join NASA Education Ambassador Jeff Adkins to examine the ringed planet, as well as Jupiter and other faint celestial wonders. Telescopes available. Visitors are welcome to bring their own telescopes and binoculars
 
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