Northern CA Freshwater Fishing Report

Los Vaqueros striper bite still good Scott’s Flat Lake producing good smallmouth bass Western Outdoor NewsPublished: May 23, 2012

Print This Article Email This Article Digg This Article

Los Vaqueros striper bite still good and trout picking up in spite of limited access BY JIM JONES WON Staff Writer LIVERMORE — The south entrance to the Los Vaqueros Reservoir continues to be open for shore fishing, but the Marina and boat rentals will continue to be closed until mid-summer. Although the lake is still drawn down below the 50-percent mark, water conditions continued to be very good. Trout fishing improved last week right after the latest trout plant, but has tapered off again. It also spurred a spike in striped bass action. South Cove was the scene of some pretty hot action for both species. Some trout are still being caught with Power Bait, Power Worms, or nightcrawlers. Short casts and light leaders increase your odds of getting bit. In addition to the usual planter-sized fish, there were quite a few larger fish being planted which have a better chance of surviving marauding striped bass. For most anglers, though, striper fishing has continued to be the main focus in spite of the limited access.   “We have about 750 yards of  shoreline fishing access available from South Cove to Oak Point, and they’re catching striped bass from 5 to 7 pounds on anchovies or shad.” Cutts said that right after the plant, striper fishing will typically be outstanding for awhile as stripers come rushing in like a golden retriever after a dog bone.     However, lately the bite has been best in the afternoon and Cutts said that fishing pressure has slowed, too. Fishing for stripers has continued to be very good, though not quite at the red hot pace immediately after the trout plant. Cutts said that out of about 40 anglers, perhaps 30 will catch their limits of stripers.   Call (925) 371-2628 for the latest information on the progress toward reopening. Lake McCumber has a few big surprises By ROBIN WADE WON Staff Writer SHINGLETOWN — Lake McCumber a little known PE&E lake near Shingletown, has a lot to offer, with plenty of planter-sized trout and a few bigger surprises. Manton bootmaker Jack Rowin and brother Jim fished with WON staffer Pat Young this past week and found good trout action for a mix of planter rainbows to 1¾ pounds and native browns to 2½ pounds.   "This PG&E lake has gas-engine restrictions on it and is popular with fly fishermen and small boaters,” Young said. “We fished out of a 14-foot john boat equipped with an electric trolling motor and drifted around the shallow flooded meadow, casting Panther Martin and Rooster Tail spinners. In four hours we hooked a dozen fish and missed several more. The big fish of the day was a beautiful 19½-inch brown that hit a black/gold Panther Martin. What a great fight that was on ultra-light spinning gear!" Scott’s Flat Lake producing good smallmouth bass action BY PAT YOUNG WON Staff Writer NEVADA CITY — With warmer weather heating up the water temperature, the smallmouth bass at Scott’s Flat Lake have started spawning in big numbers and the fishing has been very good for bass up to 4 pounds. “The smallmouth bass fishing has really started to take off at Scott’s Flat Lake,” Jim Caldwell at the marina said. “I’ve heard of smallies up to 4 pounds being caught in the past week, especially up toward the inlet around the submerged trees near the handicapped docks. The 4 pounder hit a Rapala jerkbait fished near the trees, though a worm or jig worked on the bottom would be easy prey for an aggressive smallmouth.”   As the water warms even more, there should be a good reaction bite on topwater and spinnerbaits around the trees. With the clear water in this lake, sight fishing on flatter rock or gravel banks should provide excellent opportunities for big fish. Caldwell said the trout fishing had been pretty decent at the dam, off Cascade Shores, and off the point to the left of the marina on worms and Power Bait. The only thing missing with the trout fishing was the size — Caldwell said the rainbows were only running 10 to 12 inches.