🚨📊 Heads up! We’re updating our graphs. They're more interactive and individual charts will be updated over the next several weeks.
Del Valle Reservoir, situated between Brentwood and Livermore, stands as a testament to the Bay Area’s premier fishing destinations. This 1,100-acre gem offers a diverse array of fish species, catering to anglers of all skill levels and disciplines. From trophy stripers to battling bass and catfish, Del Valle Reservoir promises a year-round angling haven.
Latest Fish Plants
Fish here often?
How To Read Fish Plant Graphs
To interpret fish plant graphs effectively, consider the following key elements:
- Blue Vertical Bars and Numbers:
- Representation: The blue vertical bars on the graph represent individual fish plants.
- Weight Measurement: The associated numbers indicate the total weight of the plants in pounds (lbs.) that occurred during a specific week.
- Significance: Monitoring these bars helps identify weeks with higher planting activity, aiding anglers in selecting optimal times for fishing near recent plantings.
- Orange Trend Line:
- Purpose: The orange trend line represents the moving average of all fish plant activities at the specified location.
- Indicator of Activity: A rising trend line suggests a consistent increase in planting activity over the designated period. This indicates the potential for more catch opportunities and signifies a growing fish population over the weeks.
- Interpreting the Moving Average:
- Upward Trend: A rising moving average implies an upward trajectory in planting activity, indicating an increasing number of fish being introduced into the area. This suggests a positive outlook for anglers, as it implies a larger and potentially more accessible fish population.
- Downward Trend (Not Specified): The description does not provide information on the interpretation of a decreasing trend in the moving average. It might be beneficial to include information on what a decreasing trend could signify in terms of fishing prospects.
- No Data Present:
- Possible Explanations: If no data is visible on the graph, it may indicate that the location had no fish plants in the last three months. Alternatively, the absence of data could be due to non-disclosure of fish plants for that location.
- Natural Population: Some fishing areas in California rely on the natural growth of fish populations, and graphs may not show plants if this is the case.
- Graph Disclaimer:
- Data Source: The graphs reflect a combination of publicly disclosed data and estimates. Some locations may disclose fish plants without specifying exact amounts.
- Not Universal: Not all fishing areas have fish plants, and the natural growth of fish populations plays a significant role in many California fishing locations.
Understanding these elements will empower anglers to make informed decisions about when and where to fish based on historical fish plant data.
Note: If no data is present in the graph above, this location may not have had any plants the last 3 months, or may not have publicly disclosed plants. Graphs reflect both publicly disclosed data and estimates, as some locations disclose plants, but not exact amount.
Map & Fishing Location
Get the full fishing map & guide to the best spots.
Store it on your phone or print it out. (Locations sometimes have weak or no reception.)
And if you got value out of that, consider subscribing to our newsletter to get a new California Fish Plant reports with maps & guides, every week.
(click to zoom in)
Types of Fish You Can Expect to Catch Here
- Striped Bass (Stripers): Migrate through the reservoir from October to May. Troll lures or baitfish near the dam or points for a chance at a monster striper.
- Rainbow Trout: Stocked from October to April, these feisty fighters love PowerBait or lures near the dam, inlets, or rocky shores.
- Largemouth Bass: Lurking in the tules and rocky outcrops, bass are most active in warmer months. Crankbaits, jigs, and spinnerbaits are their kryptonite, especially near the dam, points, or coves.
- Channel Catfish: These bottom-feeders thrive in deeper water and near the dam. Nightcrawlers, cut bait, or stink baits fished at night will get them riled up.
- Sunfish and Crappie: Bluegill, redear sunfish, and crappie offer light tackle fun in the shallows. Crickets, worms, or small jigs around docks, lily pads, or submerged trees will have them nibbling.
A Glimpse into Del Valle’s History
Del Valle is one of the Bay Area’s top adventure lands for fishing, camping, boating, and hiking. Covering 750 acres with 16 miles of shoreline, this long, narrow canyon in Alameda County’s foothill country has been a fishing haven for both newcomers and seasoned experts. The lake provides an excellent population of bass, including the elusive smallmouth bass, along with catfish, bluegill, and the occasional striped bass.
Top 5 Tips for First-Time Anglers at Del Valle Reservoir
- Research Seasonal Patterns: Del Valle Reservoir’s fishing conditions vary with the seasons. Study the seasonal patterns to determine the best time to catch specific species. Early mornings and evenings are particularly productive for stripers and bass.
- Explore Fishing Locations: Familiarize yourself with the various fishing locations, including the dam, points, coves, rocky shores, and fishing piers. Each spot offers unique opportunities for different species, and exploring by boat can lead to hidden honey holes.
- Tackle Water Fluctuations: Water levels at Del Valle can fluctuate significantly. Stay informed about current conditions and adjust your fishing approach accordingly. Some areas may become more accessible or productive based on water levels.
- Check for Algae Blooms: Be aware of potential algae blooms, which can affect water quality. Stay updated on any advisories or warnings and avoid contact with the water if necessary. Respect the environment and leave no trace.
- Invest in Required Permits: Before embarking on your angling adventure, ensure you have the necessary permits. A California Fishing License and an East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Access Permit are essential for legal fishing at Del Valle Reservoir.
Top 5 Strategies and Tactics for Optimal Fishing at Del Valle
- Timing Matters: Adjust your fishing schedule based on the time of day. Early mornings and evenings are prime times for stripers and bass. Experiment with different periods to see when the fish are most active.
- Tailor Techniques to Season: Different seasons call for different tactics. In the summer, trout fishing slows, making bass, catfish, and bluegill the focus until October. Trolling in the thermocline for salmon could bridge the gap. In the fall, as the water cools, trout plants resume, including trophy-size fish.
- Leverage Rigging for Trout: For trout fishing, especially in winter months, use a simple rigging technique. Place a small bullet sinker on the line, tie on a small snap swivel, and use a 6-pound leader with Power Bait nuggets on each hook. This method has proven successful in catching trout.
- Target Largemouth Bass: The largemouth bass population at Del Valle has exploded. Drop-shot grubs at dawn at points outside Swallow Bay for a chance to catch these feisty fighters.
- Night Fishing for Stripers: For striped bass, venture out at dawn and cast Worm-Tail jigs or Castaic Trout at corners of the dam. Night fishing with live bait or large lures during the migration season can lead to trophy stripers.
Top 5 Recommendations for Fishing Gear at Del Valle
- Rods: Invest in medium-heavy to heavy-action rods for targeting larger species like stripers and bass. Lighter rods with sensitive tips are suitable for trout and panfish.
- Reels: Choose baitcasting reels for precision and control when targeting bass. Spinning reels work well for trout and panfish. Ensure your reels are well-maintained for smooth operation.
- Lures: Carry a variety of lures, including crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics. Tailor your lure selection based on the target species and the fishing location.
- Lines: Use fluorocarbon lines for increased invisibility in clear water. Heavier lines are suitable for larger species, while lighter lines work well for finesse fishing.
- Access Our Gearlist: Explore our Gearlist account for specific recommendations on rods, reels, lures, and other fishing gear that we use to maximize the angling experience at Del Valle Reservoir.
Check out our Gearlist for the gear we for trips like this
Our Gearlist account lists all of the gear we use. Discover our top picks, where to snag them, and stay informed with our regular updates.
Explore Our Gearlist for Ultimate Fishing Success
Visit our Gearlist account for detailed insights into the exact fishing gear we recommend for optimizing your angling experience at Del Valle Reservoir. From specific rods and reels to carefully selected lures, our Gearlist provides a comprehensive guide to enhance your fishing journey.
Del Valle Reservoir promises a diverse fishery, stunning scenery, and year-round fishing opportunities. So, grab your rod, cast a line, and experience the angling magic of Del Valle!
