Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 367,383 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped three feet this last week. It is currently at 827 ft. above sea level and 261 ft. from full. The water clarity is stained in many areas and will occasionally clear up. The water temperature is warm, with the average being 75-79 degrees. Glory Hole Point boat launch is a two lane dirt road and gravel leading off of the end of the point. There is not a courtesy dock and it is best to launch with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Trout: Fair. Most anglers that are on the water are not targeting trout. The trout are down in deep water and holding near the old lake and existing river channel. The shad have also headed toward these deep/cool areas, and the trout will feed on them throughout the day. Trolling anglers try trolling down to 50-70' of water. Use a good topographical map or the contour map on your fish finder to avoid snagging your presentations on the bottom. When fishing in deep water you should use baits that rattle or wobble side-to-side. Fish will be able to find baits that create commotion. Plus, a little scent will go a long way. The fish will key in on the scent and track the bait down. Night fishing anglers have been catching a mix bag of fish while fishing under a submersible light. Trout, bass, catfish and crappie will swing by to feed on the shad that have been drawn to the light. Some of the biggest fish will lurk on the outside edge of the light. It is a good idea to occasionally make a few casts with a shad patterned lure. A Rattle Trap or lipless crank works well and has the same profile as the shad. Bank anglers have been fishing in the high country and catching some nice trout. We do encourage catch and release for the brown trout as The Department of Fish and Game will no longer be planting them. Carefully measure, weigh and photograph trophy fish and send us pictures and information.

Kokanee: Fair. The kokanee bite has been okay and the ones that are being caught are thick and healthy. The bite has been very unpredictable. Some days they are easy to find and other days they seem nonexistent. The water is stained, which makes it more difficult for the kokanee to feed by sight. When setting up your presentation be sure to include sound, vibration and scent. Try using large slingblades and baits that wobble. Apex, Wee Tads and Wiggle Hoochies are all good choices. The side-to-side wobble will displace water and create a vibration that will help the kokanee locate the bait. Also, an Oregon Tackle Scent Chamber tied inline will ensure when the kokanee are near they will be able to track the bait down. Many anglers will use ball trolls or umbrella trolls to add extra flash. Or, run a series of contrasting colored slingblades off of the downrigger ball.

Robert Lee and his son Ryan spent the day catching a bunch of spotted bass and a nice 5-pound largemouth near the Old Parrotts Ferry Bridge.

Bass: Good. The bass have moved to offshore structure and can be found suspended in the timber near deep water. The shad are schooling over the cool water and many of the bass can be found out in the middle of the lake feeding on these balls of shad. It is best to look for intersections where deep and shallow water come together. Many fish, especially the larger fish, will feed during the night. Try starting your trip in the evening and fishing into the dark. The cooler air and water temperature will make them feel more comfortable and the low light conditions will give them an advantage over their prey. Try using big topwater baits or dragging soft plastics that will displace water. During the day try using a dropshot rig to catch suspended fish or use a football jig to catch fish that are targeting crawdads. It helps to add scent to your baits when you are fishing stained water. PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE. The bigger fish are the future of our lake. Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.

Tony Bettencourt caught a nice size catfish on a casting spoon.

Catfish: Great. The catfish are in shallow water and heavily feeding. This has been one of the best years for catfish, and anglers are bringing in some really nice ones. Some anglers are reporting catching dozens of cats on each trip. The bite seems to be best at night, but it is very possible to catch them during the day as well. Frozen shad, anchovies and mackerel have been producing fish. Try using these frozen baits fished weight-less. Use enough bait to make a short cast and let the bait soak lifelessly on the bottom, without being pinned down with a sinker. Remember, many of the catfish are in shallow water and close to the shoreline. Find areas with a slow, tapered shoreline. What happens on shore usually continues into the water. Try casting your bait somewhat parallel on steep banks and more toward the mid Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to 7-year old Corey Reilly of Pioneer. He caught a 3-pound, 5-ounce catfish on frozen mackerel.

Crappie: Fair. Some anglers have been catching a bunch of crappie at night with mini jigs fished under a submersible light. They are on the move. You will find them in an area one day and gone the next. They have been suspending in the branches of the standing timber and feeding on shad. dle of the lake on flat banks and points.