Del Valle Today

Short story: the water remains unbelievably warm and green with low visibility. This resulted in my first ever skunk at DV. Even when the fishing sucks I can usually scratch out a dink at that place, but after 3 1/2 hours of trolling I never even got a bump. I spent my time trying every color and size of jointed Rapala I have, a couple different in-line spinners, grubs, and a couple kastmasters for no joy.

On the plus side I scored a used propane burner from Rey. Also Theresa and I had a great lunch at Tequila Taqueria in Livermore. I highly recommend that place! 

Did you try those little orange grubs from last year?

We all have "skunk" days just hope you had good time OTW.   Thanks for the report Jay.

Did you try those little orange grubs from last year?

Yeah, a couple different brands of them including the ones that usually work the best (Seps 2"). It's just crap conditions for trout. I was wishing I had brought some lures for smallmouth. The water looked perfect for them. There was also a boat full of guys hammering catfish and stripers occasionally, which seemed consistent with the warmer water.

The only people catching trout were the people on the banks. Using Powerbait on the bottom always seems to work no matter the time of year, but they are catching the mushy, white-meat trout. Once the trolling bite picks up I usually get one or two fat trout with firm orange meat. Those are the only trout to eat!

Jay,

It was nice meeting you, Theresa and Storm? today.  Me and Danny trolled that entire lake up to the top of the dam and didn't get a single bite.  Then we tried looking for some bluegill.  We can't find them either.  I didn't even see one fish jumping.  Late in the day we tried fishing for catfish instead.  Still no bites.  That lake is dead.   I got so bored, I jumped in the water.  The water was very refreshing after all that work trolling.  I'm glad you can use that old burner.  Hope it's not too rusty.

Rey

Sorry to hear that the fishies didn't want to chase lures today.  At least you were on the water, more than I can say for myself.  I'm hoping to get out there soon.

Michael

I'm sure you'll get'em next time Jay. Way to give it a try anyhow.

Jedmo