Paul Clouse of Lafayette and Al Hurwitz of Saratoga trolled Lake Del Valle on 5/33/24. We trolled all sections of the lake and landed 6 fish: one Smallmouth Bass (1.6 lbs.), two Largemouth Bass (1.5 and 0.25 lbs.),and three Mt. Lassen Rainbow Trout(1.5, 2.5, and 5 lbs). All Bass and Trout  were released. Photos of the Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass and the larger Trout are attached.

The fish were caught mainly in the areas of Heron Bay and along the western shoreline. We trolled the lures about 20 feet below the surface in 35-35 foot deep water columns. The water clarity was excellent throughout the lake, and the surface temperature was about 70 degrees. Tandem Hook Streamer flies and Rapala Jointed Husky Jerks were used.

Four of the six fish including the two Largemouths and the two larger Trout were caught using the Gray Ghost Streamer Fly. As a unique and exciting technique, we used a “wiggle disc” in front of the fly to give it a vibrating action as it moved 20 feet below the surface. One of the photos shows the tandem hook Gray Ghost fly in the mouth of the Trout before its removal.

On a  final note, two fishermen using PowerBait caught their limits of Rainbows (including a nice number of sizable “Lightning Trout”) in a quiet cove at the back of Heron Bay. It looks like the Trout are still biting!

The extremely clear water makes trollling for all fish species an ideal option now.
See you next week. All the best,
Paul Clouse, Lafayette 
Dr. Al Hurwitz, Saratoga