Paul Clouse, Ted Cribari, and Al Hurwitz trolled all sections of Lake Del  Valle (LDV) on April 30, 2026, attempting to target a variety of Bass species as well as Rainbow Trout. It was a long and arduous day. We tried flat-line trolling Jointed Floating Rapalas and Jointed Rapala Husky Jerks. but to no avail. We then switched to a Mickey Finn Streamer Fly trolled 15 feet below the surface, and Ted was rewarded with a 1.65 pound Smallmouth Bass (photo attached). The Bass was caught in the late morning entering Heron Bay just north of the western rock wall, and was then released. About an hour and a half later, Al caught a beautiful 5.8 pound Mt. Lassen Rainbow Trout along the western shoreline in the northern section of the  Narrows. Once again the fish was caught on a Mickey Finn Streamer Fly trolled 15 feet below the surface. The Trout put up a spectacular tug of war battle, but was finally netted (see photo attached). Finally, Paul hooked into a very nice 3-4 pound Rainbow Trout on an RoxStar Spinner Fly, also in the Narrows, but unfortunately the fish spit the hook right at the side off the boat.

We apply scent liberally to the lures we troll. The water was occasionally stained in some areas and clear in others, with a surface temperature in the mid 60’s. It was a beautiful mild day with temperatures rising into the mid to upper 70’s. We were not sure why the bite was slow (only 3 bites with 2 fish caught). It could have been that the full moon slowed the bite due to heavy nocturnal feeding.

We’ll be back, and we thank the LDV Staff for being so helpful in our outing.

All the best,
Paul Clouse, Lafayette 
Ted Cribari, Los Gatos
Dr. Al Hurwitz, Saratoga