Central Coast Lake Reports 9/26/05

[Wahoo!]

THE LAKES
LAKE CHABOT, CASTRO VALLEY: The staff at Lake Chabot reported trout
fishing remains slow, but the best spot to fish is down by the dam.
Trout plants will start in the next few weeks. Bass fishing is also
slow, but there are many good spots to fish for bass such as Alder
Point, Coots Landing, the Island and also Bass Cove. Crankbaits or a
Yamamoto worm/creature is a great way to catch a Lake Chabot bass. Lake
Chabot just had its last catfish plant for the season, but many anglers
are still catching their limit. Try Honker Bay using chicken liver and
mackerel.
LOS VAQUEROS, BRENTWOOD: The staff at Los Vaqueros said there are
reports of trout being caught near the Rock Wall and Oak Point. On the
whole, there were fewer limits reported than in the previous week, but
there was an average of 2-3 fish per person. Traditional favorites like
white or rainbow PowerBait or a nightcrawler and marshmallow combination
worked extremely well. Using a sliding sinker or a bobber will work.
Trolling for trout along the eastern shoreline has become a favorite
method for several regular anglers on slower days. As trout head for the
surface with more frequency in the cooler weather, it should only get
better. It isn't unheard of for anglers to catch (and release) 15-plus
trout in one day. For now the fish seem to be about 10-20 feet deep. Use
a set of small flashers and a Rapala. For a detailed report on trolling,
please visit the Los Vaqueros forum at norcalfishing.com/bulletin.html.
A few largemouth bass are still being pulled from the Rock Wall. Worms
in purple or blue, especially with glitter, in either a Carolina ,
drop-shot or wacky set-up seem particularly effective.
LAKE DEL VALLE, LIVERMORE: The staff at Lake Del Valle said trout
fishing is still slow but it should pick up with the upcoming trout
plants from Mt. Lassen. As of right now, a few anglers are having luck
trolling near the dam at 35 feet, reporting 1-2 fish per rod.
The bass action is still hot with anglers reporting a good bite on jigs.
Fish in 20 feet of water off of rock structure. Having a boat makes this
a great deal easier, as pulling a jig up a rocky bank will most likely
just get you snagged up. Using a boat and pulling it away from the bank
greatly reduces this and allows you to gently drop it down to the fish.
Most of the catfish population has moved out a bit and are now located
in 15-20 feet of water. Fish near structure, points, and drop offs with
liver, anchovies, or sardines.
SAN PABLO RESERVOIR, EL SOBRANTE: The staff at San Pablo Reservoir said
trout anglers should see signs of life very soon, but they'll have to
show further patience until that happens. Anglers are seeing a few trout
in the early mornings from the main recreation area. But other than
that, shore fishing for trout has been slow. Use white or rainbow
PowerBait and some kind of attractant. Those trolling for trout are
still catching some fish here and there, mostly on needlefish in the
orange colors. Don't troll tremendously deep, as the trout seem to be in
the 15 foot range.
Bass fishing has cooled off. Anglers fishing near the rental docks from
the shore have caught a few fish upwards of 5 pounds. The main
recreation area, for most species, can't be beat. The bass are
responding to crankbaits, especially earlier in the morning. Catfish
action remains hot as they seem to be coming from all over now. Before,
anglers could fish the tower and be sure to catch some. Now you'll need
to locate them before getting into it too heavily. Chicken Liver is
still your safest bet for bait.
Pierre Barrier of El Sobrante caught a 2 pound, 7 ounce bluegill near
the oaks on a Rapala Deep Diver, Paul Madison of San Leandro caught a
13-pound catfish near Round Top on chicken liver, and Armando Rodriguez
of San Francisco took two cats, including a 11-pound, 9.6 ounce one from
the main recreation area on chicken liver.
LAFAYETTE RESERVOIR, LAFAYETTE: Anglers are picking up catfish, bluegill
and yellow perch, with bluegill or perch being caught at just about any
dock around the reservoir with red worms. About 1,250 pounds of catfish
were planted last week. They are biting on chicken livers or
night-crawlers. The reservoir's water temperature is cooling off fast,
meaning trout season should be here soon.