Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz once again trolled Lake Del Valle on 9/12/24, searching for one of our favorite fresh water game fish, the Smallmouth Bass. Some may wonder about our obsession for Smallmouths. It stems from our enthusiasm for their tremendous power, jumping ability, rapid runs away and toward the boat, and the sheer beauty of the species. We consider them the best fighting fresh water fish on a pound-per-pound basis. We use lead trolling line, and it’s not uncommon for a Smallie to jump out of the water, lifting  30 yards of lead line and the 40 foot leader as they come out of the water!

Today we hooked up with 13 Smallies, landing 12, losing one, and having a few strikes that didn’t stay pinned. Almost all the activity was along the eastern shoreline of the lake from Swallow Bay up and into Heron Bay. We trolled 1/4 oz spinner flies trolled 21-23 feet below the surface in 30-40 foot water columns. Scent was applied to the lures. The lake was initially stained with particulate matter in the early morning, but remarkably cleared up some hours later when the wind picked up. As usual, with the increased wind velocity and slight surface water turbulence, the bite turned on! Water surface temperature was 74-75 degrees. Pictured are Al (blue vest) and Paul (turquoise shirt) with two nice Smallmouths around 1.5 pounds. Both great fighters! All the fish were released in excellent condition.

A good day! Thanks to the Del Valle staff for all their help and courtesy.
All the best, 
Paul Clouse, Lafayette.               
Dr. Al Hurwitz, Saratoga