Paul Clouse, Al Hurwitz, and Abel Wong ventured out on Los Vaqueros Reservoir on 4/17/25, looking to catch a variety of fish. We were not disappointed, catching a Largemouth Bass, a nice Striped Bass (pictured with Abel), and three nice Mt. Lassen Rainbow Trout (including a nice two-pounder pictured with Al). The fish were all caught in the eastern coves of the lake (Cox, Howden,  and East Coves). We caught the fish using a variety of Jointed Rapalas in Clown, Fire Tiger, and Rainbow Trout colors, applying scent to the lures. Happy as we were to catch this triad of fish species, there were five other fish that didn’t stay pinned, including what we think was a very big Rainbow that spit the hook in Cox Cove. We flat lined all the Rapalas in shallow (10-20 feet) water columns, trolling the lures 6-8 feet below the surface. The Rainbows are definitely holding in shallow water at the back of coves, while the Bass species appear to be roaming in more open deeper water.

The water clarity is excellent throughout the lake, which enhances trolling success. The surface water temperature is 58-60 degrees, and the reservoir is quite full.

All in all, a good day of fishing. We’ll be back soon for more.

All the best,
Paul Clouse, Lafayette 
Dr. Al Hurwitz, Saratoga 
Abel Wong, Sunnyvale