Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz trolled San Pablo Reservoir on 3/28/24, looking mainly for Rainbow Trout. After extensive and rather exhaustive trolling throughout the lake, we managed to catch three Calaveras Rainbows weighing about one pound each and one nice Lightning Trout weighing about 2 pounds. The Lightning Trout and two of the three Calaveras Rainbows are pictured below. The fish were caught on both the eastern and western shores of the lake near Sandy Point and the western shore intake tower respectively. Two were caught flatlining a Kastmaster, while the other two were snagged with Speedy Shiners trolled 15 feet below the  surface using lead core line to achieve the correct depth. We also had two strikes on a large Streamer fly also trolled at a depth of 15 feet, but those fish didn’t stay pinned. Rapalas and similar plugs were not successful.

The water is clearest in the mid-portion of the reservoir and more stained in the areas near the dam and the boat launch ramp. For that reason, we suggest that trollers may be more successful in focusing on those areas with the greatest water clarity. The fish are also located at various depths and may be caught both flatlining and with deeper running lures (particularly spoons).

All in all, a good day. Our first Lightning Trout! 

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