Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz went trolling on Lake Del Valle on 8/28/25. It proved to be a slow start with a much better ending. In the morning, we managed to pick up several fish, including a nice Bluegill, held by Paul (photo), weighing about a pound. However, that was all the action until the early afternoon when the wind picked up, and the Smallmouth Bass started hitting! We ended hooking up with a total of 12 fish (the one Bluegill and 11 Smallmouths). The Smallies were mostly on the smaller side, except for one caught by Paul (pictured here), weighing 2 pounds. That fish put up a terrific fight, but finally slipped into the net. Our later-in-the-day success was also enhanced by switching from our conventional  1/4 oz inline chrome spinners (imitating Shad) to 1/4 oz Panther Martin Spinners in a Salamander pattern. For some reason, the Smallmouths attacked that lure for about 1.5 hours before the bite quit. All fish were released.

The fish were mainly caught on the western shore of the lake opposite Swallow Bay. Scent was applied to the lures. They were trolled 16-21 feet below the surface in 20-30 foot water columns at a speed of 2.0-2.4 mph. The lake remains quite full. The water is very clear with a surface temperature ranging from 75 degrees in the early morning to 79 degrees in the afternoon.

The smallmouth Bass are out there, but patience is required to nab them. Wait for some breeze and keep changing presentations as necessary. Once you locate them, we feel that there is no better fresh water fighting fish on the planet!

The staff are highly professional under your guidance and make our outings very efficient and 
pleasant.

With best regards,
Paul Clouse, Lafayette 
Dr. Al Hurwitz, Saratoga