LIVERMORE – Trout fishing is the main attraction at Los Vaqueros Reservoir with the start of fall and winter trout plants.

The first plant of the season of 2,000 pounds of Mt. Lassen trout took place on October 24, followed by another plant of 2,000 pounds of Mt. Lassen trout on November 12.

Shore anglers have the most success using garlic scented PowerBait followed by night crawlers. Trolling from rental boats is doing fairly well especially in the backs of coves. Light tackle is important for catching trout. 4-6-pound test is plenty.

On days the winds allow boats, the marina staff have seen a number of limits as well as anglers with just a couple. Remember: Limit is 5 per angler for the day.

Meanwhile, anglers are picking up decent numbers of striped bass while fishing from shore and rental boats. Most of the fish are the 18 to 24 inch range, along with a few larger stripers mixed in. Bait fishing with anchovies is yielding the best success. South Cove, the pier near the marina, Cowboy Cove and Howden Cove are among the better spots to target striped bass.

Channel catfish can be caught around the lake. Most of the fish are in the 2 to 5 lb. class, with some larger fish mixed in. The South Cove, Cowboy Cove and Oak Point are among the better spots to target the catfish with anchovies, chicken liver and nightcrawlers.

The fishing pier at the Marina Complex is temporarily closed for repairs. Shore fishing and boat rentals remain open.

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.

The reservoir is holding 145,000 acre feet of water. For more information, call (925) 371-2628.