Del Valle

[Fishinjib]

I agree with OP here. Del Valle is a great lake to fish. Probably the best looking lake in the bay area as well.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

[proudpapa]

Took my three younger kids out this past sunday from about 130-430. Action was slow we fished the area just a few yards south of the boat rental area and the kids caught five total. We kept four and released a small 12 inch trout. The trick was the power worm power egg set up also known as the mice tail dipped in trout dip. We seen only one other fish caught on the shore while we were there. Looking forward to getting back out there.

[JB14]

Besides, if people are posting poor reports and scaring people away wouldn't that be a good thing for the "regulars"??

[JB14]

According to EB parks and rec fishing numbers the amount of daily fishing passes are considerably lower than past years. At one point I actually had keys to the parks gates and knew everyone on a first name basis so I know a little bit about the lake and its history.

I'm not saying people can't or aren't catching fish. I'm saying its not what it used to be and with the smaller turnouts they won't have the revenue to pump back into the lakes fish population.

While I'm here, more people doesn't correlate with more fish. It just means there's more people.

Good luck out there bud. I'd love nothing more than for del Valle to be a hot spot again. I'd love to be able to take my girls out and teach them to fish where I learned to fish from my grandpa and dad.

[ncreys]

I'd like to chime in on this thread since I too have fished del valle, as well as other east bay park lakes, for quite a long time. First off, IMO del valle probably isn't an option for everyone, especially if you are considered a hardcore, extreme fisherman, then del valle, shadow cliffs, amador, and other stocked "fish ponds" aren't for you. however, if you are an angler who just likes to get out and wet a line or two with family and friends then east bay parks are a great option; there are still plenty of fish to go around.

i do not have a boat so i have never experience the dreaded inspection and i do agree that the fishing has been better in the past, but i can't say lake del valle is not an option, not yet.

[CRABBY]

Just wanted to post my thoughts on Del Valle...

I been reading a lot of recent threads on Del Valle on a few forums and I simply find it amazing how many people are criticizing the lake. I've been fishing Del Valle for 6 years and have never had a bad experience. Like any lake...the correct technique simply just needs to be applied to the conditions. I've been to Del Valle several times in the past few weeks...and yes it's been dirty due to the storms over the past couple weeks, but the fish are there and there are PLENTY of them...in size and quantity!

I don't think it's fair to criticize EBRPD if you're a bank fishermen and not catching while boaters are. Or being a boat fishermen and not catching while bank fishermen are. If you're one dimensional, why is it EBRPD's fault?

If after reading this, you're still interested in my opinion, I think Del Valle is fishing excellent right now! And will continue to be all the way into at least April.

G19,last post from you about del valle was 3/24/12,do ya have any currant info to enlighten us with?Most fishing forum's only have negative reports from there,if you have some new info for us we sure would appreciate it!!!!Thanks for helping .......Smogguy

[JB14]

I've fished Del Valle for 24 years since the age of 8 and there's 2 things that I've discovered about Del Valle.

1. The fishing is NOTHING compared to what it used to be. 5 lbers were common and I had a limit that once came in at a shade over 38lbs. I'm sure there's still fish in the lake but the amount is way down and that's from EB Parks stocking numbers.

2. The mussel boat inspection is a farce. It's a revenue generator and nothing more. If I can't get on because of a drop of water on the bow them there's something wrong. The process is a joke and according to EB personnel its cut out more than 50+% of boaters on the lake. That in turn reduces cash flow purchase more plants.

I think overfishing and reduced revenue have doomed this local. What used to be an amazing lake and awesome fishery has turned into a non option.

[Lifted]

Living in the Bay Area I still intend to give this lake a try sometime, but from what I've seen the criticism hasn't been about Del Valle as a fishery, but the attitude of the inspectors deciding who gets to launch boats. Considering I don't have a boat, my report will be devoid of those criticisms and hopefully will be full of fish photos. That being said, do know how the water clarity currently is? I might give it a try this weekend, but it's a bit of a drive so I'd like to be sure the conditions are good before heading out.

[Giants19]

Just wanted to post my thoughts on Del Valle...

I been reading a lot of recent threads on Del Valle on a few forums and I simply find it amazing how many people are criticizing the lake. I've been fishing Del Valle for 6 years and have never had a bad experience. Like any lake...the correct technique simply just needs to be applied to the conditions. I've been to Del Valle several times in the past few weeks...and yes it's been dirty due to the storms over the past couple weeks, but the fish are there and there are PLENTY of them...in size and quantity!

I don't think it's fair to criticize EBRPD if you're a bank fishermen and not catching while boaters are. Or being a boat fishermen and not catching while bank fishermen are. If you're one dimensional, why is it EBRPD's fault?

If after reading this, you're still interested in my opinion, I think Del Valle is fishing excellent right now! And will continue to be all the way into at least April.