Feb 9 Del Valle: Sugar Mama & Boy Toy report...

Got my feet wet at 10:30AM, Sugar Mama (Big J) was already out and about. Forgot to bring my VHF so I paddled/ trolled towards the dam and hooked up with Janice. We trolled back to the launch ramp for nothing. The water level was HIGH but it was mocha-colored from the recent rain. The sun was out and the wind came and went, it was truly a gorgeous day to be out. Janice, it was nice hanging with ya - see you on the next adventure!


How high was the water?

Pic 1 - by the launch ramp
pic 2 - Hetch Hetchy group camp site

Spiders???

I was waiting to hear how you 2 did.  I should have figured that if there was anything to report that you would have posted yesterday.  Sorry to hear there wasn't any fish love.    I'd have to think with the weekly plants that it should bust wide open when the water clears.

Looks like the water level is at the brim.  Never seen it that high, but then again, I've only been there 3 times.   BTW, nice photos Mooch.

Janice, were you at least able to get your wine?  That in itself would have made Saturday a successful day.

Better luck next time.  Thanks for the report.

Michael

pic 2 - Hetch Hetchy group camp site

Still waiting...... 

YAY IT'S FULL!!
Another couple of weeks and it will bust wide open...Although I will be up there before that.

Thanks for the report Mooch (and the one? pic).

Boy Toy (Mooch), you're too funny! 

I launched about 8:30 AM with Don and Lee (sp?). We ventured in different directions but with the same result as I learned when I ran into them again about 12 noon: SKUNK! As Mooch said, the water level is phenomenal, but I didn't mark anything to write home about till I got to the dam. Still, the bite was off for both boaters and shore fishermen. I tried trolling my Seps UV dodger and nightcrawler, the GB2 special (rattling broken-back shad Rapala with a woolly bugger teaser), and a silver/blue KastMaster. Hoping for a long-shot striper, I also used a Carolina rig with a frozen anchovie but no luck. When Mooch and I were paddling back to the launch, someone from the shore did catch an undersized striper using that same setup.

Michael, yes, I did get my wine! I am impressed with Livermore Valley wines, especially those from White Crane Winery. And I got my car filled up at the cheapest gas station I have seen--$2.97 per gallon!

So even though I came home fishless, I had a great day on the water, enjoyed a welcome conversation with Mooch, and brought home a little happy juice for me AND my car.

Janice aka "Big J"

Janice must have left some of her sweetness in the lake for next time...
Boy Toy couldn't get any play 'cause the Mamas aren't in the mood...
Thanks to your posts I HAD to go check it out, and ended up with 4 trout for 8 bites.
Most of the hits were on slow drifted nightcrawler/egg combo.
I did get one fish on rainbow power bait and missed a couple on that.
They were in pretty shallow water, 5 to 10 feet, on edges of gravel banks in the Narrows . I didn't find any schools, they seem to be just cruising.

All were 12-14 inches, one was a beautiful holdover, chrome bright, with full tail, looking like a steelhead.

The water may be dirty but there are fish there. Try closer to the banks.

Bait fishing will often produce more fish in stained water. But I would rather get skunked like my friends then soak bait. 

Bait fishing will often produce more fish in stained water. But I would rather get skunked like my friends then soak bait. 

I thought you guys were hunting stripers with minows last summer. 

Guess the trees in that campground are flooded now? That's as full as I have ever seen it.

Thanks for the report! I thought I heard somewhere that minnows were illegal at DV--Anybody know?---Sure would like to catch a striper.----Doug

Thanks for the report! I thought I heard somewhere that minnows were illegal at DV--Anybody know?---Sure would like to catch a striper.----Doug

Doug, I have been fishing at Del Valle frequently for about 4 or 5 years.  I haven't heard or seen anything about minnows being illegal there.  I used minnows there last fall with no problem.  I know there are big stripers in there, but they seem hard to catch.  It's worth a shot though.  Here is the link for the lake:  http://www.ebparks.org/parks/del_valle

I didn't see anything about what bait you can or cannot use.  I think only regular state regulations apply.

Bait fishing will often produce more fish in stained water. But I would rather get skunked like my friends then soak bait. 

I thought you guys were hunting stripers with minows last summer. 

Compa -

I only use minnows at mendo because catching stripers there on artificials is really tough. At DV and the forebay, I have had good luck catching stripers on plugs, spoons, flies and swim baits although live minnows are probably more productive.

Scott

You two sillies!  good to go out and get your feet/butt wet!   the winds were down and the sun was out.....thanks for the "RECON&REPORT" trip to DV for water level, clarity and 1 picture?!
Dude.....I don't like "your" new job days/hrs.   it's even affecting ME!   
 what's your supervisors name?, I'll get you "OUR" weekends back!Brah'. 

Janice....$2.97gal. happyjuice?  you got a deal!   was it corked or twist?

thanks for that pic? and report!   

Even If it is "Twist" It is worth every penny, (or Gallon ) as the "case" may be!

They produce some good stuff up there! Fish and wine!

Janice....$2.97gal. happyjuice?  you got a deal!   was it corked or twist?

To clarify, the GAS for Old Nellie was $2.97/gal. When I saw the sign at the station, I made a U-turn, kayak trailer and all, to fill up. The happy juice for Sugar Mama was definitely corked at ~$50/bottle. My madness isn't limited to fishing toys!

BTW, I thought minnows were now illegal at Del Valle but don't remember why I would think so. I was using a FROZEN anchovie, even knowing that you should present what the target fish eats. But the anchovie WAS nibbled on (go figure!) so next time I would cut it up to entice the fish closer to the hook.

Janice aka "Big J"