Water Conditions

New Melones Lake is currently holding 526,786 acre-feet of water. The lake level remained stable this past week and it appears more water is being held and less is being released. It is currently at 863 ft. above sea level and 222 ft. from full. The water clarity is clear in most of the lake with a slight stain in some areas. The water temperature is slightly cooling, with the average being 64-69 degrees. The concrete ramp is CLOSED and is no longer in use. There is also a courtesy dock on the dirt launch which will be in place for the remainder of the summer and until the concrete ramp is open again.

Trout

This last week we saw one of the biggest trout we've seen in years.

Bob James of Murphys caught a massive 5-pound, 8-ounce rainbow trout while trolling a brightly painted Rapala in deep water over the main lake. His fish was good enough to take the Glory Hole Big Fish of the Week Contest.

The trout are holding in deep water and feeding heavily on shad. As the water temperature cools the fish will start to move up toward the surface. Most anglers are not catching a lot of fish, but when they dot get a bite it is usually a fat 3 to 5-pound fish. Trolling anglers have been using downriggers to fish from 70-100' deep. Try using plugs and spoons to trigger strikes. Many shad patterns are working well and brightly painted lures will draw fish from a distance. Also, a faster trolling speed has been working well. Try trolling from 2.6 to 3.6mph. Bank anglers should start to consider dropping a line. With the recent rainfall the fish should be moving into feeder creeks and drainages. The moving water will provide the fish with oxygen and will wash nutrients into the lake. Try floating a nightcrawler of the bottom or fan casting a Kastmaster over deep water.

Here is another one Bob caught trolling down to 110' 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

The season has come to an end and the kokanee will be spawning in the creek channels and upriver.

Bass

The bass bite continues to be a bit tough. Finding actively feeding fish has become a challenge. The fish have been in a fairly negative mood and not willing to chase moving baits. Deadsticking and slow moving baits have been working best. Try dragging a shad or crawdad patterned jig or tube on the bottom. Fishing very slow will draw strikes from less active fish. Also, a dropshot rig with a shad patterned worm has been working. Use a light weight and fish patiently. Hopefully the recent rainfall and cooler temperatures will push the fish closer to a fall bite. During the fall the fish will generally school up and feed heavily throughout the day. They will hunt in wolf packs, chasing shad a scouring the bottom for crawdads. When this bite turns on using reaction baits will be the best way to locate fish and load the boat. Ripbaits, crankbaits and swimbaits can be used to find schools. Once they have been located switching to a vertical presentation or hoping a bait of the bottom will work. 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

Glory Hole Sports Fall Catfish Contest which will be going for the entire month of November. Sign-ups start October 1st. We are only accepting 50-entries, stop by to register and secure a spot. Some of the largest catfish will move shallow during and after rainfall. They will setup and wait for creatures to be washed into the lake. We are seeing some big catfish being caught and we hope to see some giants come to the scales during the month of November. Now is a good time to go out and scout out some of those catfish holes. Many of the biggest catfish will be caught on frozen fish. Shad, mackerel and anchovies are all good choices for bait. Use miracle thread to keep your bait secured to the hook. Catfish have very poor eyesight and will feed by smell. Add some Mike's Lunker Lotion or Power Bait catfish attractant to your bait or use scented catfish bait. Each year many large cats are caught a ball of crawlers. Be sure to grab a box of crawlers before each outing and try using them in combination with other stink baits, catfish dipping worms and dough baits.

Crappie

The crappie bite has slowed, but a few anglers have reported catching some nice 2-pound slab. They will be holding in tall standing timber near deep water and feeding on schools of shad that swim past. Live minnows and mini jigs fish under a slip-float will work. Try fishing near the mouth of any of the major creek channels. As the water temperatures cool the crappie will school up and start to feed heavily on the shad that are migrating into creek channels. Follow the bait and the crappie will be nearby.