Lake Del Valle
Alameda County Trout, Bass, Catfish, Sturgeon, Crappie, Salmon
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What's Biting - 1 week ago
Striped Bass
Hot
Largemouth Bass
Good
Redear sunfish
Excellent

Lake Del Valle Fishing Overview

Water Description

Lake Del Valle boasts one of California's most varied fishing spots, hosting trout, bass, salmon, sturgeon, stripers, and catfish. The diversity of fish is impressive, but the fish quality is equally notable (check out the records table below). Recently the largemouth bass population has seen significant growth. Both smallmouth bass and stripers are present in good numbers, and angling for bass could potentially yield all three types. Given the plethora of species in the lake, bass have a wide variety of prey to choose from. Therefore, when...

Lake Del Valle boasts one of California's most varied fishing spots, hosting trout, bass, salmon, sturgeon, stripers, and catfish. The diversity of fish is impressive, but the fish quality is equally notable (check out the records table below).

Recently the largemouth bass population has seen significant growth. Both smallmouth bass and stripers are present in good numbers, and angling for bass could potentially yield all three types. Given the plethora of species in the lake, bass have a wide variety of prey to choose from. Therefore, when selecting lures, it's wise to consider the predominant species present during that particular season.

During the winter, trout fishing thrives, with fish being stocked throughout the colder months. Occasionally, trophy-sized trout are also added. Trolling is the preferred method for many anglers, but those fishing from the shore often succeed near the boat launch or other areas close to deeper waters. It's worth noting that both kokanee and king salmon were stocked previously, but it seems their populations didn't establish well.

For those looking to spend more time at the lake, boat rentals, camping, and hiking opportunities are available, making Lake Del Valle an ideal spot for a weekend excursion.

Species:
Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Sturgeon, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Lightning Trout, King Salmon, Kokanee Salmon
Stocked Date:
Catfish stocked 1 month ago - View Schedule
Trophy Fish:
  • Largemouth Bass: 18 lb 2 oz
  • Rainbow Trout: 22.6 lb
  • Smallmouth Bass: 5 lb 12oz
  • Striped Bass: 40 lb
  • Sturgeon: 25 lb
Boating / Access:
Most boats allowed. 10 mph speed limit. Must be inspected before launch
Geography:
Max Depth: 154 ft
Surface Area: 709.12 acres
Surface Elevation: 500 ft
Hot Striped Bass bite
Bass, Striped Bass, Sunfish
75°F Slightly Stained

Water temps have dipped a bit since last week, and the fish are responding... especially the stripers. The last week has seen big blowups all around the lake, with some folks reporting bites on "every other cast." White or pearl has been the color, as these fish are fully keyed in on shad. Walking baits, swimbaits and jerkbaits are all working for...

Water temps have dipped a bit since last week, and the fish are responding... especially the stripers. The last week has seen big blowups all around the lake, with some folks reporting bites on "every other cast." White or pearl has been the color, as these fish are fully keyed in on shad. Walking baits, swimbaits and jerkbaits are all working for fish in the 2-5 pound range.

Largemouth are also biting well, with many keying in on shad too. Big glidebaits have landed a 6-plus and an 8-plus pounder over the last few weeks. Dark-colored creature baits thrown tight to cover are also getting 1-2 pound fish.

Redear and bluegill are being caught in the backs of coves on red worms. The smaller ones linger near the surface... aim deeper for some hand-sized giants.

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Good Bass bite
Trout, Bass, Striped Bass, Catfish
71°F Slightly Stained

Water temps have jumped into the 70s at Del Valle, and after an excellent spring, the bite is starting to cool off a bit. Trout plants are over, the latest coming the last week in April. There are still fish to be caught, though they've moved into much deeper water chasing cooler temps. Powerbait and floated nightcrawlers are your best bet during...

Water temps have jumped into the 70s at Del Valle, and after an excellent spring, the bite is starting to cool off a bit. Trout plants are over, the latest coming the last week in April. There are still fish to be caught, though they've moved into much deeper water chasing cooler temps. Powerbait and floated nightcrawlers are your best bet during the day. Early mornings are kicking out some shallower fish on spinners and spoons.

Sticking with bait is your best bet for stripers and catfish (obviously) as well. Stripers have also moved deep, but a few keepers are being caught on soaked anchovies. Catfish are hitting chicken liver and garlic-dipped baits, with the best action coming in the evenings.

The bass bite remains good, with both smallmouth and largemouth hitting swimbaits and drop-shotted 4½-inch plastic worms near rocky structure and secondary points. A few fish are still shallow... with the occasional one still bedding or protecting their fry. Weightless Senkos can be deadly for these fish.

6 anglers found this report useful
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Nearby Reports

There's a lot of good bass action right now at Sandy Wool on finesse stuff. T-rigged 6-inch Roboworms (Margarita Mutilator, PB+J) and weightless Senkos are doing extremely...

Water temps were near their annual peak until the cooldown over the last couple of days. But it's still warm... hovering in the high 70s to low 80s. EBParks dropped two 500 lb...

Lake Del Valle Weather

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