Lake Del Valle has become one of my favorite trout spots lately, especially with the cooler weather kicking in. The lake’s set up perfectly for trout fishing this time of year, with its chilly waters and scenic shoreline. As the fog lifted, I knew the day was off to a solid start. Armed with my usual ultralight setup, I hoped to reel in a few rainbows.
The weather was crisp, cloudy, and just a touch windy—a great setup for trout activity. It was the kind of overcast morning that keeps trout closer to the surface, and with minimal crowds, it felt like I had the lake almost to myself. I started near a popular area on the eastern shore, casting out with a small Kastmaster. It didn’t take long to get the first bite, a decent 10-incher. Not a big one, but a nice start to the morning.
After releasing that first trout, I switched to a spinner and moved along the bank, trying out a few other spots. Lake Del Valle is known for having pockets of trout, so switching it up can sometimes pay off. Sure enough, at the next spot, I got another bite, this time a bit bigger—a solid 12-inch rainbow with some fight in it. These trout may not be giants, but they’re healthy, and their colors are vibrant.
For the mid-morning stretch, I found myself in a quiet cove, giving a worm setup a shot. The slower action seemed to be what the trout were after because within minutes, I had a third one on the line. This one was around 11 inches, putting up a fun fight for its size. The consistency at Del Valle is something I appreciate; you might not hit a limit every time, but there’s always action if you’re patient.
Then, just when I thought I had a good rhythm going, I felt a heavier tug—a much stronger pull. After a bit of a fight, up came a 14-inch trout, the biggest of the day. It was a great surprise and a reminder that Lake Del Valle can deliver some good ones when you least expect it. This fish had a deeper, almost metallic color, and after a quick snap, I sent it back.
By late morning, the sun began breaking through, and as usual, the bites slowed down. Trout tend to scatter or go deeper when the sun’s up, so I adjusted by casting into shadier spots. While the action wasn’t as strong as it was at sunrise, I still managed to pull in a couple of smaller ones before wrapping things up.
All in all, it was a steady day. I didn’t hit the limit, but I went home with a handful of catches, each one keeping the day interesting. Lake Del Valle’s trout population is steady, and with cooler weather, it should only get better. If you’re in Central Cali and looking for a reliable trout spot, Del Valle’s worth a visit—just bring patience, a variety of lures, and don’t be surprised if you end up with a nice catch or two.
