Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 571,517acre-feet of water. The lake level came up eight feet this past week. It is currently at 872 ft. above sea level and 213 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 still buoyed off. Glory Hole Point boat launch is a two lane concrete ramp with a courtesy dock in place.

Trout: Fair. This past week the trout bite seemed to improve quite a bit. Many anglers reported catching a handful of trout, including a few holdover fish. The recent rainfall has washed much needed nutrients into the lake, which has made the fishing better. Fresh water will attract all species and provide oxygenated water. Bank anglers should try fishing with a mallow/crawler combo or floating a Power Egg off the bottom. Use bright colors to attract nearby fish. In the early morning and evenings, the fish have been feeding on small insects on the surface. Try using a bubble and a wet fly to coax these finicky feeders into biting. This subtle approach works well with a nightcralwer too. Boating anglers are finding luck fishing in the main river channel and upriver. Try using a trolling spoon fished near the surface. The Cop Car Needlefish has been producing fish in clear water and gold spoons will work best when the water is stained. Some fish are being caught in the 20-30' range. Use downriggers or lead-core line to target these fish. Another rig that will draw fish is a flashers/crawler combo. The string of flashers will attract fish from a distance and bring them to your crawler. Add scent to further entice strikes. Garlic and anise are both good choices.

Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Mark Schneider of Angels Camp. He caught a couple nice holdover trout while trolling a spoon on lead-core line in the main lake.

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. The kokanee bite is right around the corner. We have had a few reports of anglers catching kokanee while trolling for trout. The second week in April is usually when we start to see some fish being caught. May through August, are prime months to target the kokanee.

Bass: Good. The bass bite is still in full swing. Many anglers are catching and releasing some nice spotted bass and some largemouth as well. The weather has been beautiful and the bass are going into springtime patterns. The lake in rising quickly which has some fish still relating to deeper water. Look for deep areas that lead into spawning areas and creek channels. The fish will stage here before the spawn and then move back to these areas after the spawn. A variety of soft plastic presentations have been working well. Try using a Texas rigged worm when fishing near the brush and switching to a darthead or tube when fishing rocky areas. Many colors will catch fish, but some will work better than others. Greens and browns are a good choice and a little red flake or chartreuse will often trigger bites. Some days a slim profile works best and other days the fish prefer a bait that has more bulk. Experiment throughout the day and let the fish tell you which one they want. With the warming water temperature some fish will become active and more willing to chase. Try using a ripbait, crankbait or small swimbait to entice the more active fish.

Kevin Dye of Arnold had a successful kayak trip. He reported using a spinnerbait to catch and release a handful of nice bass.

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.

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, try using a crappie jig or Beetle Spin to add a little color.