Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz trolled Lake Del Valle on July 10, 2025, looking mainly for Bass. We figured that the warm air and water temperatures would be ideally suited for Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Striped Bass. We were not disappointed, hooking up and landing 3 Smallmouths, 2 Largemouths, and 2 very nice Striped Bass The Stripers averaged about 4.25 pounds and measured 22 inches in length (see attached photos). We lost 2 Smallies that jumped and spit the hook. All of the fish were caught off the points and the flats of Heron Bay. We were very excited to see the Stripers hit as a “double”, striking our spinners simultaneously as we trolled into a cove on the eastern side of Heron Bay.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t induce a bite anywhere else in the lake, We were trolling 1/4 oz. RoxStar Feathered Spinners (scent applied) some 16-21 feet below the surface in 20-30 foot water columns. Trolling speed was 2.0-2.3 mph. We did observe a lot of natural forage (likely small Shad), and the fish may have preferred this “natural chow” over our artificial lure presentations (causing the afternoon bite to slow).

The lake is quite full now, with very good water clarity and a surface temperature of 73-74 degrees. Regrettably, intense heat and lack of a refreshing breeze forced us to get off the lake early today, but we’ll be back soon. We thank you and the staff for always making our lake entry and departure so seamless.

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