Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 571,517 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped two feet this past week. It is currently at 872 ft. above sea level and 213 ft. from full. The water clarity is clear in most of the lake with a slight stain in some areas. The water temperature is warm, with the average being 78-82 degrees.

There is a two lane concrete ramp with a courtesy dock in place. There will be a courtesy dock on the dirt launch once the lake drops down to that elevation, which is approximately 865' in elevation.

Trout: Fair. The trout in New Melones are growing rapidly and we are seeing some really nice fish being caught. The action is a little slow and you will have to put in a few hours to catch a handful of these 2 to 4-pound fish. The surface temperature is really warm and the trout and kokanee have moved down to extremely deep water. Trolling anglers have been dropping down 80-100' to find fish. Look for the deepest areas on the main lake to find schools of bait, trout and kokanee. A slingblade with a spinner or hoochie will catch both species. To target trout try rolling shad or fishing with a shad patterned Rattle Trap. Night anglers are catching fish under a submersible light. Find areas that have deep water nearby. The trout will often move up during the cool hours of the night. Live minnows and nightcrawlers will work well. Some anglers do well on a Power Bait/crawler combo with additional scent. During low light conditions scent will help the fish locate the bait. Bank anglers have will find better luck heading to the high country to fish the local lakes and streams. 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: Good. The kokanee bite has not been fast and furious, but the fish that are being caught are some of the largest in the state. The average kokanee is 16" and we have measured fish up to 19" weighing over 2-pounds. As the water continues to drop and temperatures rise, the kokanee will move to deep water. Try trolling from 80-100' to catch these chunky kokanee. Large dodgers and slingblades have been working well. Try using a Vance's Dodger with a bladed hoochie to create commotion and draw strikes. Also a large slingblade with a slight bend will disrupt the kokanee and they will bite out of aggravation. Presentations that swing or wobble side-to-side will disperse water and be easier for the fish to locate. Apex and wiggle hoochie are both good choices. A trick many anglers will do in the late season is fish with an Apex/hoochie combo. Replace your Apex hooks with your favorite hoochie. Before dropping your setup down, hold it near the side of the boat to find the right speed to get ample action. A short leader is recommended on both spinners and hoochie rigs. Scent is also very important and should be applied throughout the day. Stop by and pick up some dyed and scented corn on your way to the lake.

Bass: Fair. The heat of summer has set in and the bite has become a little tougher. Many of the fish will pull off the shoreline and suspend over deep water until the temperatures cool. The big schools of shad are out in deep water and the bass will suspend around them and feed periodically throughout the day. In the mornings and evenings a few fish will be aggressively feeding near the shore. The topwater bite will be good some mornings and slow others, but it is always worth a try. When the fish become finicky it is best to use a dropshot rig to catch them. Small shad patterned worms will work best. To locate fish try using a small swimbait or dragging a Carolina Rig with a Brush Hog or lizard. PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE. 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 will bite during the summer months and many anglers are catching 6 to 10-pound fish. The cats will feed all day, but the best bite time is mornings, evenings and during the night. Try using frozen shad, anchovy or mackerel to coax them into biting. The catfish in New Melones will feed on shad and small sunfish just like a bass would. It is best to have a two pole stamp and give the fish multiple offerings. Try fishing a large chunk of frozen fish on one rod and fishing a single crawler/mallow combo on the other. Each year some of the largest fish are caught on small offerings.

Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Phil Carpenter of Sonora. He caught a 8-pound catfish on chicken livers near the marina.

Crappie: Good. This has been one of the best crappie years we've seen in a long time. The crappie are chunky and anglers are catching fish up to 2-pounds. They will bite during the day and anglers have been catching them on live minnow, mini jigs and spinner. Look for areas with brush and standing timber to find schools of crappie. Also, many anglers will use a submersible light at night to draw baitfish to the surface. The crappie will then move up to feed on the shad and you will be able to catch a bunch of nice ones.