Los Vaqueros Reservoir Fishing Report

Los Vaqueros has been dishing out a decent bite for both trout and stripers. Trolling has been the most productive for trout, especially in Howden and East coves, where they’re hitting Kastmasters and Rapalas running just below the surface. The afternoon bite has been the best, with some quality Mt. Lassen rainbows showing up among the smaller CDFW stockers. Shore anglers are hooking trout on PowerBait, nightcrawlers, and small jigs. Stripers and catfish are biting anchovies near South Cove and the marina pier. A few smaller largemouth were picked up last week in the shallows. The bass bite will only get better as the water temp warms.

Water clarity is improving, surface temps are around 55 degrees, and while trout plants are on hold until golden mussel regulations are in place, the lake has already received over 20,000 pounds of stocked fish this season—so there’s still plenty fish for.

So disappointing. Went for New Years as we were told there was 16k pounds of fish dumped in. Not this 1k that was posted here on December 30th.

We rented a pontoon boat, and went everywhere. Not one bite. Not a ONE.

Also fished for everything. Multiple folks. Multiple areas.

Asked around when getting back to base - we met one person who caught some fish from shore out of 7 we asked. There wasn’t anything. Better luck in warmer temperature.

Vaqueros received 1,000 pounds of Mt. Lassen trout on December 30, but reports suggest the stocked fish size is underwhelming for Lassen trout (mostly 12-inchers). Mice tails, Panther Martins, and PowerBait are picking up fish here and there. The striper bite has been good, though most fish are barely keepers. The most consistent action is coming from anchovies soaked deep, with jerkbaits also getting the occasional hit. A 5+ pound largemouth was pulled out this week, and folks say a few giants have been spotted shallow following schools of trout. Grab your big swimbaits!