GENERAL CONDITIONS

The weather at Del Valle has been rainy, cloudy, and cool with a spot of sun. Early mornings in the low-40s with temperatures rising up into the high-60s by midday. Water temperature at the dock reads 54 degrees.

The lake elevation has gone up ten feet in the last two weeks. This influx of water is causing a slight murkiness to the water, making it a bass fishing paradise right now!

Al Hurwitz of Saratoga and Abbey Lev of Sunnyvale trolled the lake on March 15th trying to hook into some rainbow trout, and this is their report:

“It was slow with only two strikes before 1:00 pm. After switching lures to Panther Martin Spinners, Al hooked into and landed a nearly six pound Mt. Lassen Rainbow Trout (see photo below). The fish was caught on the western shore of the lake across from an area halfway between Swallow Bay and Heron Bay. We were flat lining about six feet below the surface in a 20' water column. The lake is still stained from recent rains, and external water is being pumped in rapidly. These facts combined with changing rainy weather conditions make for tough trolling. Once the lake level is up and the water clarity improves, trolling for trout, bass, and striped bass should greatly improve. For now, live and artificial bait will continue to be successful for catching trout.”

Another Del Valle regular, Jeff Cooper of Alameda also gave us a report of some of his recently fishing endeavors. Here is his report:

“Let it Rain!!! Saturday March 17th was an exciting time for the diehard anglers and enthusiasts alike. The cold air temperature with a combination of rain and sleet kept many people at home. Those of us who did go out got to feed our addiction and found the fish still biting! Whether it is a feeling of being called to the outdoors, or the rush of the hook set on a big fish. Some of us just find our peace and serenity out on the water! Del Valle did not let us down on Saturday! The surface water temperature dropped 4 degrees over the last week and is holding at 53 degrees. The water level has been stable and the clarity has increased. Therefore, this means many happy trout anglers! Trout love the cool water and with the increased visibilities had them out chasing moving baits. Casting from the boat in-line spinners and small swim baits seemed to work the best. I also caught a couple on a lipless crankbait, and a small spinnerbait. From the shore, mice tails continue to be the hot item. Many trout limits were caught using them. Powerbait and Powereggs also aided to their successful day. Trout were the biggest hit of the day but not the only fun; several big catfish were taken from both the shore and boats. I caught one while bouncing a black and blue vibrating jig down a rock structure. These opportunist fish were out looking for an easy meal. Smallmouth Bass also joined the fun on this cold, wet day. Reports from the shore had several catches while making casts over the clamshell beds. I had the privilege of sharing the day and "making memories" with angler, Tim Grahn from Hollister. He landed a nice smallmouth using a white 3-inch swimbait off a windblown rocky point. Largemouth Bass temporarily pulled off the shoreline back to their winter spots, due to the water temperature. They can be caught in the same places as in January and February by slow rolling swimbaits and spinnerbaits at depths of 20-30 feet. By slowly dragging the lures on the bottom and bouncing it of rocks, it will trigger these bass to bite! Congratulations to all the Anglers who came out; battled the elements, "made memories" and caught some fish! With this week’s weather forecast looking similar to last week, do not fear the rain. Grab your gear, and I will see you on the water!”

Jeff Cooper

CATFISH

Catfish are going to be in deeper water, about 20-25 feet deep. The best baits to use would be anchovies, mackerel, or night crawlers.

TROUT

For trout, most anglers like to use either Powerbait or Powereggs. I would also recommend using either night crawlers or small spinners. Make sure you are fishing shallow sand flats and if you are fishing from a boat, make sure you keep moving.

BASS

We are getting reports of smallmouth and largemouth bass coming out of their winter areas and are starting to push to the shoreline. They are sitting near newly formed rock points and trees along the edge. Most catches are being reported in the two to three pound range.

Wayne Mayeda, caught five pound fourteen ounce in the area of the narrows using a silver Senko at Lake Del Valle, on March 18th.

STRIPED BASS

We are starting to hear a few more reports of people hooking into stripers. Most of the striper action has been centered near the dam.