Current Fishing Conditions

The Lake Camanche Fishing Report - May 5, 2008

LAKE CONDITIONS:  Lake Camanche’s current elevation is 201.00 feet above sea level, a drop of .82 feet this week. There is currently no water flowing into Lake Camanche, and water is flowing out of Lake Camanche at 410c.f.s.  The surface water temperature at the marina is 65 degrees.   

ATTENTION ALL BOATERS: Due to the growing presence of the invasive Zebra and Quagga mussel in California, we will be conducting mandatory boater interviews and, in some cases, vessel inspections prior to entry. In order to speed up this process, we ask that your vessel’s water reservoirs (live wells and bilges) be dry and that the boat hull be clean. We do not anticipate that these procedures will take more than five minutes per vessel but we do strongly encourage you to arrive early to make sure you get on the water as early as possible.

TROUT: Our Annual Charity Trout Derby started Friday, April 25 and this year it runs from April 25-May 25. Once again it is being sponsored by Yum’s Troutkrilla trout bait. One $5.00 entry ticket qualifies you at each of these 5 lakes. Lake Camanche, Lake Chabot, San Pablo Reservoir, Los Vaqueros Reservoir, and Diamond Valley. All proceeds go to the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Prizes include trips, tackle, cash, tickets to sporting events and much more! Tickets will be available at both marina stores, and both entry gates.

The three biggest fish caught at Lake Camanche for the Trout Derby so far are as follows. 1st  place, at 2.12 pounds, was caught by Larry Summers, from Stockton. He was fishing in the South Shore Pond with Power Bait.  2nd place, at 1.63 pounds, was caught by Mike Frary, from Stockton. He was trolling in the main lake with a Rebel lure. 3rd place, at 1.57 pounds, was caught by Gary Summers, from Stockton. He was fishing in the South Shore Pond with Power Bait.

Trout trollers continue to catch trout in the main lake, and anglers getting on the water at first light can still catch trout on the surface, but most trout move down to 25-35 feet deep during the day. One angler reported catching 5 trout, with two in the 8 pound range, while top lining with blue/white a Rapala lure. He started at first light in the morning, in the main body of the lake, and he had his lure at least 250 feet out behind his boat.

Vic Perman caught 5 fish last Wednesday while trolling near the Narrows with a Rebel lure. He had a 6 pound trout, two that were 2-3 pounds, and also a crappie. He said the fish he caught were down about 25 feet deep.

Truman Moss and Jim Rudolph had pretty good luck this last week, catching 10 trout to 4 pounds one day, 4 trout to 4 pounds another day, and 4 more trout to 3-4 pounds another day. They like to fish in about 30-35 feet of water with Power Bait, near Hat Island or dike 3.

This week’s trout plant of 1,200 pounds of beautiful Mt. Lassen hatchery fish will be at South Shore, and will be split between the South Shore Pond (600 pounds), and South Shore launch ramp (600 pounds).   As always, 10% of these fish will be trophy trout from 3 pounds on up. We will continue to plant trout until surface water temperatures rise above 70 degrees.

BASS: Camanche regular Steve Bjerke, from Danville, rented a boat from North Shore this week and caught and released 11 bass up to 20 inches. Steve was fishing the main body of the lake, and also upriver, with 4 inch Robo Worms in brown/blue. Most of his fish were 10-15 feet deep.

Jeff Chow, from San Bruno, rented a boat from North Shore and caught 6 bass up to 3 pounds. He was fishing with Senko worms in 10-15 feet of water.

Bass are in pre-spawn or spawn mode, and we strongly encourage catch and release methods during this time of year.

On behalf of Camanche Recreation Company, please fish, boat, and swim safely.

We encourage all anglers to report their stories, comments, or concerns to either North Shore Store, South Shore Store, or to us by e-mail to: eporray@camancherecreation.com. Thanks again for choosing Lake Camanche for your recreation destination. Visit our newly renovated Lake Camanche Recreation site at: www.camancherecreation.com

Lake Chabot Fishing Outfitters -  May 5, 2008

GENERAL CONDITIONS: The water level is still low; around 2 - 3 feet below full. Afternoon winds have been showing up around 3 p.m.  Water clarity around the lake is generally good with 8-10 feet of visibility and the temp is in the mid 60’s. We are getting consistent trout plants. Mt. Lassen Trout Farm is scheduled to plant 500 lbs. near the marina later this week. There are plenty of whopper size fish out here in Lake Chabot.  Now is the time to start fishing for them. 

HOURS: The Cafe and Marina are open 7 days a week from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM; boat rentals start at 6:00 AM and stop at 5:00 PM; boats are due in at 6:00 PM Monday - Thursdays, 7:00 pm Fridays - Sundays.

PLANTS: Weekly trout plants continue with 750 pounds from Mt. Lassen Trout Farms.

TROUT: The water has started to clear up and the trolling is getting better. Limits of trout are coming in daily; anglers are catching tons of smaller DFG planted trout along with several Mt. Lassen trout. 

The top fish in the derby so far are a 10 lb'r caught by Ravie Razack while trolling, a 9.7 lb'r by Bill Carter and a 8.75 lbr' by Viorel Girbulet at Coot’s landing.

Remember, our Charity Trout Derby started April 25 and the tickets are $5. The derby proceeds will go to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. More info is available by clicking here.

BASS:  Bass fishing is picking up but they aren’t biting on reaction baits yet. Use worms and jigs on the bottom. Look for better fishing once all the cold fronts move through. Look for spawning conditions as the water temperatures have moved into the mid 60's.

Sean landed his second biggest bass a couple of weeks ago at 11.03 lbs. using a white jig in Half Moon Bay. Catch and release is appreciated - we do not stock bass and their population depends on you. Thanks to Waltons Pond, livewells are provided.

CATFISH: Catfishing is slow now but in late spring we will start to receive some plants. The first whopper Catfish of 2008 at Lake Chabot has weighed in at a massive 29 lbs. When fishing at night the best spots on the lake are the first dock on both the west and east shore trail. Also, try Racoon Point. A sliding sinker or weightless setup is the best technique for fishing for catfish.

San Pablo Reservoir - May 5, 2008

GENERAL CONDITIONS: The boat Launch is open Thursday through Sunday from 7:00 am to 3:00pm.  During these times all vessels entering the water must be inspected for Quagga and Zebra Mussels. Our rental boats are available at all times. The surface water temperature is currently 61 degrees. The water level is at 293 above sea level. with good clarity - small particulate matter.

With the trout derby in full swing we've got some tough competition out there for you. The last week we had some pretty windy, rough weather giving some anglers problems. The sun is still shining and they continue to bring in the whoppers and plenty of trout.  Bass are also becoming more and more active.

Our annual Charity Trout Derby began April 25th and will once again be sponsored by TroutKrilla.Stop by our visitors center to pick up some of their great products and more information on the rules and regulations.  Your $5 ticket donation will benefit The Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America.

HOURS: San Pablo Reservoir is open seven days a week from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm.  Rental boats are due back in one hour prior to closing.

PLANTS: Thursday, May 1st.,  2,400 pounds of rainbow trout hit the water. This should help those in the derby and keep the fish coming in.

TROUT: Trout is still the best bet for action. Quite a few whoppers came in this last week and we expect plenty more. Right now the Tower seems to be the hot spot as well as the usual ones like the Pines. Trolling with Rapalas is the best way for getting the more aggressive big ones. Nightcrawlers also seem to be getting more action for the bait anglers. Now is a good time for getting trout. Don't miss your chance.

BASS: There are definitely some nice bass out there.  Plastic worms seem to be doing the trick. Just ask Gargie Balarbar of Hercules who brought up two monsters of 7lbs. and 8lbs. 3.2oz. this past Friday.  He was fishing out in front of the main rec. off the points.

CATFISH: Catfish are being brought in randomly and will most likely be getting hungrier as the water warms up.

CRAPPIE: Crappie should be getting some buzz as the water starts to warm up.  Jigs would probably work best.

BLUEGILL: I heard of bluegill being caught and released using a worm.  We would like to see some more. Let us know where they're hanging out.

WHOPPERS: Here are a few of our big trout caught this week: :

Chris Raley of Lafayette caught an 11lb. 12.8oz. rainbow on Thursday off the dock.

Gary Cruz gets another, an 11lb 12.8oz. as well.  He was trolling with a Rapala out in front of the main rec. area.

Tony Camaroata of Navato got an 11lb 4.8oz rainbow this Sunday by the tower using a Kastmaster.

COMMENTS: If you are launching a private boat, read up on the Quagga mussel program so you do not get turned away at the gate. 

There's a whopper waiting for you, don't let somebody else get it!



Los Vaqueros Fishing Report - May 5, 2008

GENERAL CONDITIONS: Calaveras Trout Farms planted 1,200 lbs. of trout Tuesday 4/29. This was a very active plant - we've seen lots of stringers and some very nice single trout coming out. Anglers earned many limit pins and we also handed out lots of mugs for some nice whopper fish.

The south cove and the shoreline in front of the marina have been popular all week. If you’re in a boat, try trolling outside the mouth of the south cove and the mouth of Howden Cove; these areas have been hot all week. The late afternoon and early evening have proven very active all week from shore. Catfish and crappie have been seen all week. Crappie isn’t seen regularly out here but this week several found their way onto your hooks. Come on in and see the pictures.
The bait of choice this week was nightcrawlers, go figure, not only the trout but also the 'cats are hitting those crawlers.

The lake is currently holding at 88%. We should begin to see an increase throughout the remaining spring and summer months. The current water temperature is 66 degrees.  The visibility is at 8-10 feet. Los Vaqueros reservoir is oxygenated year round which raises the oxygen levels to aid in plant and fish health.

Night fishing is back. Bring down your favorite battery operated light (prevents fires) and join the crowd.  Our next night fishing is Saturday May 17th. Nightcrawlers seem to work very well at night for both cats and stripers.

Looking for what the anglers themselves have to say? Check out our bulletin board at www.norcalfishing.com .

HOURS: Marina is open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. All rental boats must be back at the marina by 6:30 p.m. Watershed gates close at 8:00 pm seven days a week through March 2008. For night fishing Saturday events, hours are extended to 9 pm.

PLANTS: Calaveras Trout Farms planted 1,200lbs. Tuesday April 29th. into the South Cove.

If you hadn’t heard, there is a possible infestation of Quagga/Zebra mussel into California waterways. We are currently doing our homework in order to keep the mussel out of the watershed. These mussels can migrate and clog up the incoming pipelines to the reservoir. Thank you for your cooperation.

TROUT: Robert Bedgood of Dublin reeled in a very respectable 6.82lb’er from a boat in peninsula cove on a nightcrawler.  Tat Lim of Livermore reeled in a 4.40lb’er from the rockwall area on one of his favorite Rapalas.

If you are new to fishing or have years under your belt we are offering free guided fishing tours on Saturdays. We have two designated tours, one starting at 8:30am, the second starting at 11:30am. Each tour will be approx. 1.5hrs. If you have your own gear we suggest you bring it, rentals are limited. We are also now offering mid-week tours with reservations. We will tell and show you all the hotspots, techniques and demonstrations (live) out in the boats.  

BASS: Tom Eng of Oakland (a real fixture out here) came in with a very nice 6.43lb largemouth from Peninsula Cove. Tom let her go, she was full of eggs.

STRIPERS: If stripers are your choice, come on in and view our video on how to fish for these guys.

CATFISH: No reports of catfish this week.

SALMON: We are still seeing very nice 2-3lb’ers coming in out here. Just last Sunday late afternoon Will Reneker of Livermore pulled in a 1.99lb’er from the eastside of the south cove on a nightcrawler.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: Rowboats, kayaks and float tubes are prohibited, no pets are allowed in the watershed.  No smoking is permitted on the watershed shoreline; there is one designated smoking area directly behind marina.

LAKE RECORDS:

Catfish: Ka Chu of Castro Valley on 7/19/07 hooked a new record cat at 26.85lbs from a boat in sunken oak cove using a night crawler. It gave him a great challenge, but the cat ultimately was released back into the reservoir.

Striped Bass: John Howard of Martinez, 3/13/07 25.15 lb. striper. Pulled in from Oak Point pier. John was using a Storm bait and dragging it along the bottom.

Salmon: Don Govan (ol' Faithful), of Oakland reeled in a very respectable salmon catch during August 2007. He set the new lake record with a 5.64lb salmon from the ADA pier using a robo worm.

Largemouth Bass: Eric Sabye, of Discovery Bay, pulled in the new lake record largemouth bass from just east of the south cove from shore on a blue/silver rubber worm. A very nice fish weighing in at 9.79 lbs.Eric released the fish back into the lake.

When you can't go on-line call The Fishing Hotline 925-248-FISH (3474).