GENERAL CONDITIONS

The weather at Del Valle has been rainy, cloudy, and cool, with a spot of sun. Early mornings in the low-40s with temperatures rising up into the high-60s by midday. Water temperature at the dock reads 54 degrees.

The lake elevation has gone up ten feet in the last two weeks. This influx of water is causing a slight murkiness to the water, making it a bass fishing paradise right now!

Dr. Al Hurwitz of Saratoga and Abbey Lev of Sunnyvale made a valiant effort trolling Del Valle on 3/22/18. Here is there report:

“It was a cold, rainy, and windy day--not at all ideal for trollers or any other fishermen for that matter. I think there were only two boats out that day. We managed to scratch out one small, Smallmouth Bass in the afternoon trolling in a cove on the western shore opposite Swallow Bay. The fish was caught on a Speedy Shiner trolled about 15 feet below the surface. We were using lead line to get this lightweight spoon down below the surface. We trolled all over the lake using split Rapalas, Panther Martin Spinners, and heavier spoons, but no other fish were caught. Water quite stained from the rains. Surface water temperature 55-56 degrees. Once the water clears, the best trolling conditions for Rainbow Trout and Bass will be off rocky shorelines and points where there is less mud, and the fish can see the lures. I always recommend applying scent to lures when trolling. For the present, artificial and live bait will work better if still fishing in stained or muddy water. Slow casting presentations of plastic and hard baits may also work for Bass species. Trollers be patient! Once the water level is higher and clearer, the shoreline fishing with flat lining techniques will improve, particularly for the Rainbow Trout.

Another Del Valle regular, Jeff Cooper of Alameda also gave a report of some of his recently fishing endeavors:

“All hail the Queen!

Briana Zepeda (aged 10) has the spotlight this week. This young angler accompanied by her father, Jose Zepeda (from Tracy, CA) and her best friend Elizabeth, endured the wind gusts and the rain, landing 13 of Del Valle's finest trout between them. With an average weight over two pounds, including a large breeder caught by Briana. Like a scene from Ernest Hemingway's novel "The Old Man and The Sea", Briana battled this great fish! Rod bent over and holding on tight, this giant did not want to come in easily. Blocking out the cold and the rain, she won the fight and showed the strength and skills of a seasoned angler! Congratulations Briana (see photo), this weeks "Queen of the Lake"! The trio had their success using Powerbait off a shallow point between Swallow Bay and Heron Bay. Other shore anglers continued to have success catching trout using mice tails and Powereggs. A few smallmouth bass were caught from boats along the rock walls. I caught a two-and-a-half pounder, to start my morning while slowly bouncing a wacky rig Senko down a rock pile in the narrows below Tarantula Cove. With this week’s weather forecast showing warmer days with lots of sun, the fishing will only get better! Current surface water temperature is 54 degrees. The lake changes from murky water conditions by the Marina, to a slight staining by the dam. The up and coming warm front will trigger a spring change at the lake. The bass will start to migrate back to the shoreline. First to feed up, then to start their pre-spawn activities. This will be a magical time you won't want to miss! So grab your gear and I will see you on the water!”

Jeff Cooper

Be sure to stop by the Marina for tips and tackle. We would love to hear about your catch, and your stories!

CATFISH

Catfish are going to be in deeper water, about 20-25 feet deep. The best baits to use would be anchovies, mackerel, or night crawlers.

TROUT

For trout, most anglers like to use either Powerbait or Powereggs. I would also recommend using either night crawlers or small spinners. Make sure you are fishing shallow sand flats and if you are fishing from a boat, make sure you keep moving.

BASS

We are getting reports of smallmouth and largemouth bass coming out of their winter areas and are starting to push to the shoreline. They are sitting near newly formed rock points and trees along the edge. Most catches are being reported in the two to three pound range.

STRIPED BASS

We are starting to hear a few more reports of people hooking into stripers. Most of the striper action has been centered near the dam.