Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 458,704 acre-feet of water. The lake level came up four feet this past week. It is currently at 849 ft. above sea level and 236 ft. from full. The water clarity is clear in many areas and stained in a few due to wind and rainfall. There is some debris floating on the surface. The water temperature remains cool, with the average being 53-56 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. The concrete ramp and dock will be in the water at 860' with the storms in the forecast this should be very soon.

Trout: Slow. Some anglers have been catching a few fish, but overall it has been an extremely slow wintertime trout bite. This upcoming week we will be having some much needed rainfall. Typically the fresh running water into the lake will improve the trout bite. Drainage ditches and creek channels will wash nutrients and insects into the lake. These areas are good places for trout to move into during and after rainfall. Bank anglers are finding best luck fishing near the 49-Bridge. Most anglers are catching fish using a standard bait rig. Try switching baits until you find the one the fish like best. Power Bait dough and eggs work well and a mallow/crawler combo is hard to beat. While your bait soaks try casting a spoon over deep water. This is a great way to catch fish that are cruising and searching for baitfish. Boating anglers continue to catch fish in the main lake and upriver. With the recent fair weather the lake has been beautiful and extremely calm. You can find fish feeding on the surface and then target that area of the lake.

Local angler Bob Byrd caught a handful of nice trout while trolling near the dam area. He reported catching his fish while trolling shad patterned and rainbow patterned spoons in 10-15' of water.

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.

Nate Monroe caught and released a very nice limit of bass. He reported catching them on a jig in 25-35' of water.

Bass: Good. The past few weeks have felt a lot like spring. The water temperatures are warming throughout each day and the fish have become more active. The next few weeks it looks like we will be getting some more much needed rainfall. This might cool the surface temperature, but many fish will remain active and be looking to spawn in the next two or three months. Find areas that have deep water that leads to shallow water. Many fish will stage in these deeper areas and move up when the conditions are right. Try using a rig that will cover water and can be fished on the bottom. A great choice is a Carolina Rig. Use a fairly large bullet weight to get the bait down fast. Add a bead to produce a ticking sound and experiment with different leader lengths. Bulky baits work well on this presentation. Try using baits that have appendages and will displace water. Brush Hogs, lizards and ribbon tail worms are all a good choice. Another great way to pick up fish is with a rubber tied jig and a soft plastic trailer. Use light jigs when fishing in shallow water and switch to a heavier jig to bounce the bottom in deeper water. California Reservoir Lures makes quality hand tied jigs that work great for fishing in the Mother Lode Lakes. Some fish will still be off the bank and targeting schools of shad. Try using an umbrella rig to catch these suspended fish. If they don't want to bite moving baits, you can use a drop shot rig with a finesse worm to coax them into biting.

Jeremy Clinkenbeard caught a handful of bass. He reported fishing in shallow water worked best.

VERY IMPORTANT: PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE. The spawn is near and many fish will be holding eggs (especially larger fish). Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.

Catfish: Good. 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 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. Also, the rocks will warm and attract shad and large catfish. Some of the largest catfish ever caught out of New Melones have been caught during heavy rainfall. The catfish will move to areas with running water.

Crappie: Good. Quite a few anglers are catching some quality crappie. There is a lot of wood near the shoreline that the crappie will move into this spring. Fish near the brush in coves and pockets off of the main lake. Try using a live minnow fished under a slip-float. Also a try using a crappie jig to add a little color.