Glory Hole Fishing Report

New Melones Reservoir - Angels Camp, CA


by Glory Hole Sports Staff
3-17-2016
(209) 736-4333
Website

Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 529,444 acre-feet of water. The lake level came up eight feet this past week. It is currently at 864 ft. above sea level and 221 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 is gradually rising, with the average being 54-60 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 will be in the water at 860' and the dock should soon follow. With the recent rainfall and storms in the forecast, we should have a full functioning ramp and dock in the water any day now.

Trout: Slow. Unfortunately the trout bite was a major disappointment. In past years the trout would move shallow and catching a limit was fairly easy to do. This year was a bit of a struggle and we saw very few fish caught. Hopefully this summer the anglers trolling deep water will bump into some of the beautiful trout New Melones has to offer. Bank anglers should try fishing near the 49-Bridge or off of Glory Hole Point. Some anglers have found luck fishing with a crawler/mallow combo and others report catching a few fish on Kastmasters. One overlooked method for trout fishing, is fishing with a live minnow. Try using a minnow 15' under a slip-float. The minnow will suspend over the brush and rock, and tempt trout and other fish into biting. Boating anglers have caught a few limits while trolling spoons near the surface. The main river seems to be holding more fish than the main lake. If they don't want to bite a lure trolled near the surface, try using lead-core line to drop down to 20-30' of water. Be sure to stay over the existing river channel to avoid getting your presentation snagged. 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.

Bass: Good. The fishing on New Melones has been really good so far, and the next couple months we can expect to see some giants caught and released. This week the weather looks to be beautiful and the bass should be ready to fill their bellies in preparation of the spawn. Try using baits that have a large profile and appear to be a big meal for the fish. Bass are typically lazy creatures and they like to eat one big meal a then rest. Brush hogs and lizards are a great choice and will tempt some large bass. The water will be a little stained and darker colors are more easily noticed. Use purple and black in stained water and switch to natural colors as it clears. With the water warming each week the bass should also be more willing to chase moving baits. Try fishing reaction baits such as rip-baits, crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Bass will get very territorial and try to run off smaller fish. Keep this in mind when you are selecting a lure to tie on. Bluegill and baby bass colors work well during the spring months. Some of the largest fish will stage in deep water and wait for the perfect opportunity to move up. A football jig fished slowly on the bottom will often catch some of these larger fish. California Reservoir Lures makes a great selection of jigs and we stock the best colors for New Melones. It is very important to handle large fish with care.

VERY IMPORTANT: 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.

Catfish: Good. The catfish bite is right around the corner and many anglers are starting to catch a few. The early spring has always produced some giant cats. The water is warming and the fish will become much more active. Try fishing near large rocks. The rocks will warm throughout the day which will appeal to the giant catfish that have been hibernating all winter. Try using large chunks of frozen bait. These fish will be very lethargic and would rather feed on one big meal then expand energy searching for a handful of small bites.

Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Brianna Clinkenbeard of River Bank. She caught a 7.54-pound catfish while fishing for bass.

Crappie: Good. Quite a few anglers are catching some quality crappie. Each week we are hearing of more and more crappie being caught. There is a lot of wood near the shoreline that the crappie will move into this spring. Fish near the brush and timber, in coves and major creek channels. Try using a live minnow fished under a slip-float. Also a try using a crappie jig or Beetle Spin to add a little color.



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