Central CA Lake Reports 8/29/05

[Wahoo!]

THE LAKES
LAKE CHABOT, CASTRO VALLEY: The staff at Lake Chabot reported that trout fishing remains slow, but the best spot is by the dam. It was also a slow week for bass with no reports of any catches. Anglers still should try Alder Point, Coots Landing, the island and Bass Cove using crankbaits or a Yamamoto worm/creature. Action for catfish is good with several limits reported. During the day, Honker Bay remains the best spot to fish. When the sun begins to set, try the first dock. Mackerel and liver are the baits to use.

LOS VAQUEROS, BRENTWOOD: The staff at Los Vaqueros said there are reports of trout coming out of the South Cove. Getting your bait or lure in the middle of the cove seems to work well. Some anglers are even reporting bites on a variety of lures, including Kastmasters and Needlefish. As usual, the most successful baits are PowerBait and/or nightcrawlers. Those trolling for trout should start close to the marina and work the eastern shoreline or the boom. Needlefish in shad patterns seem to work, especially running behind flashers or a dodger.

There are bass biting near the rock wall. Use Senko's in black and blue, especially with glitter, in the mid-morning to afternoon.

LAKE DEL VALLE, LIVERMORE: The staff at Lake Del Valle said bait fishing for trout has been really slow with trolling being more productive. Trolling at depths of 40-60 feet is the best bet. Try using Rapalas or nightcrawlers and flashers. Cody Guymon of Livermore caught a 10-pound trout while trolling at the dam using a broken back Rapala.

For bass, fish from 6-8 a.m. using poppers in or around structure, or dragging buzz baits through the weeds. During the middle of the day, most of the fish are going to be about 25 feet deep on structure. Look for points, drop-offs and rock piles. During this time, work crankbaits slowly or use plastics. Catfish action is still awesome. Over the weekend, a father-son team managed to catch six catfish, including a 6.5-pounder, in just a couple of hours. They were fishing near Swallow Bay using chicken liver. Reports of catfish being caught are coming from all over the lake, with most anglers using chicken liver.

SAN PABLO RESERVOIR, EL SOBRANTE: The staff at San Pablo Reservoir said they are still seeing a few trout here and there, particularly from shore anglers at the main rec, and a few from trollers further down the reservoir. Shore anglers need to strike early and stick with PowerBait in white or rainbow. If you're going to troll for trout, troll deep. Needlefish in clown or shad colored patterns seem to be the most productive. Start at 25 feet and work your way down. The fish are definitely staying where the water is cooler.

Bass action is fairly wide open right now near the main rec area and at Scow Canyon. The shoreline that runs from the main rec area to the dam has spit out a few nice size largemouths as well. Try Senkos in black and blue, just black, just blue, and sometimes pumpkin. Drop-shotting seems to the technique to stick with, even in the early hours. Some nice limits of catfish have come out, especially on Sunday when two groups of two anglers pulled out 20 cats, primarily from near the tower. Use chicken liver, mackerel or nightcrawlers.