Water Conditions

New Melones Lake is currently holding 551,846 acre-feet of water. The lake level came up four feet this past week and will continue to rise with the recent and upcoming rainfall. It is currently at 868 ft. above sea level and 217 ft. from full. The water clarity is clear in most of the lake with a slight stain in some areas. There is a small amount of debris floating on the surface. The water temperature is cooling, with the average being 54-57 degrees. THE CONCRETE RAMP ON GLORY HOLE POINT IS OPEN!!

Trout

The trout bite has been good for the past few weeks and should continue to improve as the water temperature drops. The fresh rain water that is flowing into the lake will help cool the temperature and provide clean oxygenated water for the trout. The lake is in the process of turning over, but has not completely turned. Trolling anglers are catching many fish near the surface and down to 25'. Top-lining and leadcore line have been a good choice. Be sure to let out plenty of line. For top-ling 150' of line is recommended and for leadcore anglers use 5 to 7-colors. Excel, Needlefish and Speedy Shiner spoons are producing multiple limits of planted and holdover trout. Shad patterns work well and brightly painted lures have been attracting some of the larger fish. Bank anglers are catching fish off of Glory Hole Point and near the 49-Bridge. Try floating a ball of Power Bait on light line with a light wire hook. Use an egg sinker to bring your presentation to the bottom. Then the bait will float back up. A 2' to 4' leader is recommended. Another good technique is to fan-cast a spoon and walk along the shoreline. This method can be used to locate feeding fish. Once you find a school, try soaking some bait nearby. We do encourage catch and release of brown trout, as there does not seem to be a large population of them in the lake. Carefully measure, weigh and photograph trophy fish and send us pictures and information.

Kokanee

The season has come to an end and the kokanee most likely are done spawning. April is a good month to start targeting the kokanee again.

Bass

With cooling water temperature and rising water levels the bass have moved into a winter-like feeding pattern. The bite has been good and most anglers are catching plenty of healthy 2-pound spotted bass. There has also been some big largemouth bass caught in the past few weeks. Many fish are holding in the 35' to 45' range. Bass can be found on main lake points and in some of the coves and creek channels. That shad will move to the mouths of the major creek channels. Then work their way to the back. Fish that are targeting shad can be caught using a variety of shad patterned baits. A spoon, dropshot and small swimbait are good choices. Use the swimbait to find actively feeding fish. Then switch to a vertical presentation to catch as many as you can. Most anglers are using slow moving baits fish on the bottom. A 1/2oz football head jig is a good bait choice for the colder winter months. The crawdads are brown and green and will often have a purple tint in the winter months. Keep this in mind when selecting jig colors. Try using a shakey head or a darthead fished on light line. Switch to heavier line and a Texas Rig when fishing near wood and timber. A 6" straight tail worm works well in clear water and a bulkier Beaver or Brush Hog can be used to attract fish in stained water. Some anglers have been catching large fish throwing oversized trout patterned swimbaits. 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

The Glory Hole Sports Fall Catfish Contest has come to an end. The catfish bite proved to be tough and very few fish were caught and brought to the scales. Generallymany big catfish are caught during the fall months as the catfish will feed heavily to bulk up for the cold winter months to come. Most of the fish have been caught using chicken livers. Also, frozen shad and mackerel will work. Many catfish are caught each year on Power Bait and nightcrawlers. Setup a rig that will appeal to both trout and catfish to double your chances of getting bit. Add scent to your bait and try fishing different depths and locations.

Crappie

Very few anglers have been targeting the crappie. The winter months can be good and the crappie will move into creek arms and feed on shad. Try using small spoons that can be fished vertically around the wood and standing timber. Use mini jigs and live minnows as well to catch crappie.