Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz trolled Los Vaqueros Reservoir on 11/14/24. We were flat-lining with Rapalas 6-8 feet below the surface. We liberally applied scent to the lures. It was slow going for a while, with our  picking up a small DFG Rainbow and some minor strikes in the early morning. Then, around 10:15 AM, we got an enormous strike in Howden Cove, when Al hooked into this 8.2 pound Mt. Lassen Rainbow Trout (see attached photos). The rod was a lightweight Kokanee style rod which bent in half with the strike. The fish then stripped line off the reel. After a great fight, Paul did a smooth net job, and the fish was landed. We often perform catch and release, but we kept this beauty for a friend who had the fish smoked.

Later that afternoon Paul hooked into a nice 2-2.5 pound Striped Bass in Peninsula Cove, again flatlining a Rapala on light tackle (another great fight)! The Striper was released. After that battle, we had to get off the lake quickly to escape the wind and rain that suddenly swept in.

The water remains extremely clear with a surface temperature of around 62.5 degrees.

As always , the staff are very helpful in getting us safely on and off the lake. We hope to get back soon to have another go at this great fishery!

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