GENERAL CONDITIONS

The weather this week here at Lake Del Valle has varied day to day. Some days are just beautiful with temperatures in the low to high 70s with little to no wind. We've also had days that were horrendous with temperatures ranging from the high 50s to mid-60s with winds up to 30 mph. The hot bite this week is definitely still trout, especially with our 1000 lb. plant on 5/8/17, with many anglers are bringing in good sized trout.

Our good friends Doc Al and Abbey Lev came out fishing this week and here is their report

"As you know, Al Hurwitz of Saratoga and Abbey Lev of Sunnyvale trolled the lake long and hard on 5/11/17. First of all, it was a pleasure to fish the lake once again after a long hiatus due to the heavy rains and flooding. The lake was at a peak height, quite clear, and with a surface temperature of around 70 degrees. We trolled jointed Rapalas and Panther Martins, flatlining in a 15-20 foot water column some 8-12 feet below the surface. Scent was applied to the lures. We caught a very large rainbow trout weighing 7.45 lbs. (see attached pictures). We also hooked up with other smaller trout and also landed a nice 1.5 lb. smallmouth bass. Most of the fish were caught in and around Swallow Bay. I anticipate an outstanding fishing season in the months ahead, as we move from trout season into bass/bluegill/crappie/catfish season. The high water level should keep the fish on shore and very susceptible to bait, hard lures, and soft plastics. It should be quite a season, judging from our outing!

All the best, Dr. Al Hurwitz”

CATFISH

Catfish are slow with no reports of anglers catching any this week. If you do want to try for the whisker fish best place to try would be in either the lower or upper narrows around the fallen trees using either nightcrawlers, anchovies, or sardines.

TROUT

Anglers have been catching trout from the south end all the way to the dam. Most anglers are using either nightcrawlers, mice tails, small spinners or smaller jerk baits like Rapalas. If your targeting trout look for long shallow sandy beaches.

STRIPED BASS

Stripers are still showing up with a few anglers finding them. Most anglers are getting them in the lower and upper narrows and also out towards the dam. Best bet to catch them are either anchovies, nightcrawlers, or mackerel. If you're into cast and retrieve type of fishing I would recommend using either jigs or jerk baits.