Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 426,167 acre-feet of water. The lake level came up four feet this past week. It is currently at 841 ft. above sea level and 245 ft. from full. The water clarity is stained due to recent rainfall and wind. Some areas are clear and not affected by the storms. There is some debris floating on the surface. The water temperature remains cool, with the average being 51-54 degrees. The dam area is buoyed off due to current that is created when releasing water. Glory Hole Point boat launch is a two lane dirt and gravel road 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: Okay. The DFG continues to plant rainbow trout in New Melones. The past few weeks we have been hearing of some successful outings. Anglers have reported catching planted fish and an occasional holdover as well. It has been an extremely slow trout season in comparison to years past. The trout that are up will be there until late spring when the water warms again. Bank anglers are catching fish near the 49-Bridge and off of Glory hole Point. It is best to purchase a second rod stamp and fish with two entirely different offerings. Try using a standard bait rig and float a mallow, crawler or Power Bait product off of the bottom. Mix and match your combos until you find one that the fish like. While your bait is soaking try using a casting spoon. Make long casts toward the middle and vary your retrieve. Kastmasters and Krocodiles are both good choices.

John Wilson and Harold Odahlen caught two limits of trout while fishing with Kastmasters from the shore.

Boating anglers should try fishing upriver over the existing river channel. There are many fish that orient themselves to the cold water flowing in the main river channel. Try fishing at various depths from 10-40'. Be sure to use a quality contour map or GPS to avoid snagging trees. The existing river channel will be void of any tall timber. Position your boat directly over the top and you will be able to troll with losing any gear. Use light trolling spoons near the surface and fish will larger minnow-like plugs deep.

Jed Bender went out with Take it to the Limit Guide Gary Burns. They caught a couple nice trout while trolling with shad patterned spoons.

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: Slow. It is a little early in the season to catch kokanee. Some anglers will start to target them, but generally we will start seeing a few fish caught in April and limits from May to September.

Michael Mulgado of Turlock caught and released some beautiful spotted bass. He used brown and purple jigs, Texas rig and a drop shot to catch his fish.

Bass: Good. This last week the weather was warm and it almost felt like spring. Many anglers were out and about enjoying the beautiful conditions. The bite has been good and everyone seems to be catching some fish. It may feel like spring but many fish are still holding in deeper water and on a winter-like pattern. The key to getting bites is fishing patient with a slow retrieve. Once you locate fish make multiple cast and methodically dissect that area. Sometimes dead sticking or just leaving the bait still for a few second will coax finicky fish into biting. A football jig has been a good choice. Brown, purple and green pumpkin are all good choices. Mix and match trailers and skirt colors depending on depth and water clarity. Some days the fish don't bite the jig and will favor a soft plastic presentation. Try using a drop shot, shakey head or Texas rig with your favorite shad or crawdad patterned worm or creature bait. When fishing near brush or wood be sure to rig your bait weedless. This way you will be able to spend more time fishing and less time retrieving your bait or retying. PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE. The spawn is near and many fish will be holding eggs. Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.

Alex Niapas of Angels Camp caught a couple nice ones. One good largemouth and one good spot makes for a great day on the water.

Catfish: Fair. This warming trend will start to bring some giant catfish into shallow water. Generally the largest fish will become active first each spring. Try using large chunks of frozen bait. The fish will generally be more active towards the afternoon after the sun has warmed the water. Look for areas that have plenty of sun light throughout the day.

Crappie: Okay. Some anglers are starting to catch crappie. There is a lot of wood near the shoreline that the crappie will move into this spring. Try using live minnows on light tackle. Fish near the brush in coves and pockets off of the main lake.