Paul Clouse and Al Hurwitz trolled Lake Del Valle on May 1, 2025, with the expectation of catching Smallmouth Bass. What happened instead was unanticipated success, landing seven Mountain Lassen Rainbow Trout. Pictured top to bottom are Al with a nice 3.5 plus pound Lightning Trout, Paul with a very large Mount Lassen Rainbow weighing close to 8 pounds, and Al with a 2.2 pound Mountain Lassen Trout. We kept two of the 7 fish and released  all of the others, including the 8-pounder. All the fish were caught in various sections of the Narrows along the western shore. We trolled feathered spinners (“RoxStars”) some 16-18 feet below the  surface in 20-30 foot water columns, trolling at a speed of 2.0-2.3 mph. A variety of Trout attractant scents were applied to the lures. The fish were extremely active, a number making athletic runs after being hooked. One Rainbow, weighing approximately 4 pounds, broke off at the side of  the boat before it could be netted. We also experienced 4-5 additional strikes that didn’t stay pinned. 

The lake conditions are ideal for trolllng: surface temperature 67 degrees, water level close to maximum, and water clarity near perfect. 

We’ll be back for more outstanding Trout fishing (and hopefully catch a few Smallies in the mix). As always, Kenny Ku and the Del Valle Staff excel in getting us on and off the water! All the best,

Paul Clouse, Lafayette 
Dr. Al Hurwitz, Saratoga