Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz trolled Lake Del Valle on 6/27/24. It was very slow going initially, but we did eventually catch three different species of fish: a nice 1.5 pound Smallmouth Bass (pictured with Paul), a beautiful 2.5-3 pound Rainbow Lightning Trout (held in the net by Al), and a small Largemouth Bass. The fish were caught in areas of structure near the Narrows. All the fish were caught trolling Rapala Jointed Husky Jerks 13-23 feet below the surface. Scent was liberally applied to the lures. All the fish were successfully released.

The water was very clear with a surface temperature ranging between 75-76 degrees.

The fish were very scattered throughout the lake in the early AM, but then grouped together in the late morning. This “coming together” to feed was evident with multiple hits on the sonar unit finally occurring around 11 AM, as the fish started to strike.

It was not a stellar day in terms of the number of fish caught, but very interesting in observing the change in fish grouping and feeding behavior as the day wore on.

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