VOL . 44 • ISS . 2 February 28 , 2025
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FRESHWATER REPORTS :
CONTINUED FROM PG 10
LOS VAQUEROS RESERVOIR
Trout and Stripers Offer Top Angling Options
LIVERMORE – Fishing reports have been few and far between at Los Vaqueros Reservoir lately , but those getting out on the lake have reported success on rainbow trout and striped bass . On their latest trolling adventure at Los Vaqueros , Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz found trout success , especially in the afternoon . “ After a slow beginning , we started hooking up with some rainbows in Howden Cove , keeping one weighing 2.4 pounds ,” Hurwitz stated . “ The action really picked up in East Cove in the early afternoon when we caught two beautiful Mt . Lassen Rainbows , weighing 4.1 pounds and 4.4 pound . They provided terrific fights on light tackle .” “ We used chrome colored spoons ( with scent applied ), including a Kastmaster and a Mooselook Wobbler , trolled 7.5-10 feet below the surface . Trolling speed was 2.3 mph ,” Hurwitz disclosed . “ The water clarity is improving every week , and the surface water temperature is now around 55 degrees . The smaller trout were released , while we kept the three largest . It was a beautiful day with moderate winds ,” he concluded . Shore anglers targeting trout should experience the best success using garlic scented PowerBait , nightcrawlers and white jigs . The latest trout plant of 1400 pounds was provided by the CDFW . Shore anglers continue to hook striped bass while tossing out anchovies in the South Cove and off the fishing pier near the marina . The keeper fish average 18 to 21 inches long . If you want to channel catfish , fish chicken livers in the South Cove and elsewhere on the lake . The catfish being caught average 2 to 5 pounds , but bigger fish are out there .
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GREAT Fishing for : Trout • Kokanee • Catfish Large & Smallmouth Bass Crappie • Bluegill • Sunfish
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Miles and Tina McKeand of South Lake Tahoe celebrated their marriage with a nice stringer of Mackinaw while fishing with Tahoe Sportfishing in February .
Photo courtesy of Tahoe Sportfishing
The water level is 141,000 acre feet . The water clarity has been good except for the rainy and windy days . Boating has been limited due to wind . Please call the marina and check the conditions before arriving so you can plan accordingly . For more information , call ( 925 ) 371- 2628 .
- Dan Bacher
NEW MELONES LAKE
Boaters Bag Rainbow Limits , Occasional Brown
ANGELS CAMP - Rainbow trout fishing has been excellent at New Melones reservoir for anglers fishing from shore and boats . Kyle Wise of HeadHunter Sportfishing has been reporting top-notch fishing during trolling adventures . “ We had new clients from the Sacramento area this morning on New Melones ,” reported Wise on his most recent trip . “ The fishing remains red hot even though the rains brought a ton of floating debris into the area . We pulled Papa G and TBone spoons all morning in the top 30 ’ at 2.8 mph .” “ We were able to land one brown and safely release it for someone else to catch one day , and full limits of rainbows .,” he advised . “ This time of year the fish are gorging on shad so if you don ’ t have spoons George or Tyrone Beard can get you dialed in .” On his previous trip , Wise reported “ another fun morning on New Melones ” with new clients Dave and John Dahl . “ Just like the previous trips , the bite remains wide open with limits by 9:30 am while pulling Papa G spoons and TBone spoons at 2.8 mph in the top 25 ’ of the water column ,” he tipped . Boaters interested in participating in the new seal program can obtain a quarantine seal to attach to your boat and trailer at this time . Please visit the Glory Hole boat launch location between 8 a . m . to 4 p . m . to obtain one from a park ranger free of charge , to begin the 30-day quarantine period prior to any future boat launching at New Melones .” For questions about this suspension and the new protocol , contact a New Melones staff member at 209 459-7290 or visit the New Melones website .
- Dan Bacher
LAKE OROVILLE
King Salmon Respond to Trolled Lures
OROVILLE – The king salmon fishing is going strong for anglers hitting the rising waters of Lake Oroville . Anglers are trolling Brad ’ s Kokanee Cut Plugs , hoochies tipped with anchovy strips and other offerings behind dodgers . “ We had another great day on Lake Oroville , catching 2 limits ,” said Rob Reimers of Rustic Rob ’ s Guide Service after a recent trip . “ We didn ’ t catch any big ones today . We released 3 and kept 7 kings from 14 ” to 17 ” Brad ’ s Kokanee Cut Plugs did the trick again . The hottest lure color was the Christine Special .” On a previous trip to Oroville , the two anglers fishing with Reimers kept 7 salmon , with the biggest king weighing 7 pounds and measuring 26 inches long . On another trip to Oroville , Reimers reported , ” It was a full moon bite today at Oroville . We caught everything in the first hour . I used a new lure from Brad ’ s , a skinny mini , in the Christine Special pattern . It got every bite we had .” Few bass anglers have been out on the water lately , but expect to catch spotted bass and occasional largemouth while drop shotting with plastics , throwing swimbaits and tossing out jigs at a variety of depts . Winter hours for the Spillway Day Use Area are in effect through April 30 , 2025 , with the recreation area open daily from 6 a . m . to 8 p . m . Lake Oroville is at 862.28 feet elevation and storage is 2,873,539 acre feet , 84 percent of capacity and 133 percent of average . The Bidwell Canyon , Spillway , Loafer Creek and Lime Saddle ramps are open to boat lunching .
- Dan Bacher
PARDEE LAKE
Fishing Season Kicks Off With Trout Plant
IONE – Bank anglers fishing a variety of offerings caught quality trout on the opening weekend at Lake Pardee . However , private boats are currently prohibited on the reservoir , due to concerns about the invasive golden mussel . Rental boats are available at the marina .
3500 lbs . of rainbows and 500 lbs . of Lightning Trout , a total of 4,000 pounds , were planted in the lake on Feb . 14 . Then on Feb . 19 , another 4,000 pounds of trout were planted in the reservoir . Big fish honors go to Jr . from San Jose , who landed a 4.5 lb ./ rainbow trout near the marina . That beast couldn ’ t resist the jig , and Jr . put in the work to land a certified slab . “ Due to concerns about the invasive golden mussel , private boats will not be allowed at this time ,” Pardee Lake Recreation reported . “ This includes all PWC as well as kayaks . Please leave these vessels at home as they will not be permitted through the gate . However , our rental fleet is ready to help you get out on the water ! Whether you ’ re fishing , exploring , or absorbing the peaceful views , we ’ ve got you covered .”
- Dan Bacher