Paul Clouse, Ted Cribari, and Al Hurwitz trolled Lake Del Valle on June 12, 2025 looking for  Bass and Rainbow Trout during this transition month of June. We were rewarded with an exciting morning bite of Smallmouth Bass between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM, with 6 Smallies hitting our lures. The fish weighed between 0.5 pounds up to 1.75 pounds. Pictured below are two representative Smallmouths. Regrettably, we lost a seventh largest fish, likely a 3-4 pound Smallie, that broke water and then spit the hook. The fish were all caught on the southern shore of Swallow Cove (the shoreline on the opposite side of the Cove from Swallow Rock). The fish were all caught on RoxStar feathered spinners trolled 16-18 feet below the surface. Scent spray was applied to the lures. All the Smallmouths were released in excellent condition. The bite died suddenly after late morning, and other than 2-3 additional strikes, no other fish were caught.

The lake level is very full, with excellent water clarity, and a surface temperature ranging from 72-76 degrees, all excellent conditions for trolling. The best news is that these fish caught today represent the first Smallmouth Bass caught by us this year, and predict an ever increasing Smallmouth bite from now into the fall months. All good news for those seeking this highly prized fresh water gamefish.

As usual, Kenny Khu and the entire Del Valle Staff were extremely helpful in getting us on and off the water. Hope to see you soon.

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