Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz trolled all sections of Lake Del Valle on December 11, 2025. We were hoping for a Rainbow Trout or a late fall Smallmouth Bass bite. We initially trolled 1/4 oz RoxStars and Joe’s Flies 16-21 feet below the surface in 15-30 foot water columns. No results! We then switched to Mooselook Wobblers and a Little Cleo trolled in the same manner. Still nothing! No bites. We traversed Heron Bay, Swallow Bay, the Narrows, the Marina area, and both the western and eastern shores of all parts of the lake. Not a single bite! It’s extremely rare for us to not get any takes on our trolled lures, but on this day, that’s exactly what happened. Not sure why the poor bite occurred, but the severe recent drainage  lowering of the lake by 20-25 feet is a likely factor to explain the “fish lockjaw”.

After a very foggy morning, the day became sunny and beautiful, although cold. The water surface temperature was 55-56 degrees, and the water clarity was very good to excellent.

We know that eventually trolling lures will improve. However, the lake level and the cold and variable weather will need to stabilize first. For the present, we think that those using artificial bait (e.g. Powerbait) or live bait will have an advantage over trollers.

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