Water Conditions

New Melones Lake is currently holding 867,903 acre-feet of water. The lake level came up twenty three feet this past week and will continue to rise with the recent and upcoming rainfall. It is currently at 923 ft. above sea level and 160 ft. from full. The water clarity is stained in most of the lake with some areas clearing faster than others. There is scattered debris floating on the surface throughout the lake. The water temperature has cooled, with the average being 51-54 degrees.

THE FOUR LANE CONCRETE RAMP ON GLORY HOLE POINT IS OPEN!

Darren Jones of Angels Camp caught a 2-pound, 11-ounce rainbow trout while fishing a Kastmaster near the surface.

Trout

With the rising water the fish have scattered out some. There is also a bit of stain in the water which will reduce visibility. However, most anglers are still catching limits of planted and holdover trout. The fresh water flowing into the lake will provide the fish with nutrient rich, oxygenated water. Trolling anglers continue to find success fishing up near the surface. Top-lining has been the go-to method. With the water being stained, it is best to use a lure the will produce sound and vibration. Baits that have an erractic side-to-side wobble will attract nearby fish. Also, spinners create flash and vibration as well. Bright colors such as firetiger, orange and chartreuse will pop in stained water and the fish will be able to locate them. Add scent or use an Oregon Tackle Scent Chamber to create a scent trail. Bank anglers have been catching a few fish from the shoreline. The lake came up extremely fast and it may take a few days for the fish to move back into shallow water. Chartreuse and rainbow Power Bait with a chunk of crawler has been a productive presentation. Garlic scent is also a good choice when fishing is water that has low visibility. The fish will smell the bait and then hunt it down. Be sure to use a light wire hook to ensure your bait remains floating. There is quite a bit of flooded grass and vegetation lining the lake. Use a long leader and float your bait well above all the grass.

Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Dan Jones of Modesto. He caught three rainbow trout while soaking Power Bait off the end of Glory Hole Point. His biggest weighed 2-pounds, 12-ounces.

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

The bass bite has remained fairly good. With the rising water levels, the fish have moved into new areas and spread out. Anglers have been reporting catching fish from 5' to 65' of water. Many areas will be void of fish and it is best to keep searching and experimenting with different depths and lure presentation. Keep in mind that the shoreline has an abundance of flooded vegetation due to the rapidly rising water levels. Try using a presentation that will easily come through grass. A Carolina rig or a Texas rig would be a choice. These rigging methods are very versatile and can be fished deep or shallow and in practically and type of cover. Lizards and Brush Hogs are both a good choice of soft plastic. The lake is a little stained so it is best to use a soft plastic that has colored flake in it. Also, be sure to add a bead to both these rigging methods. You can use the bead and the weight to create a ticking sound this will draw bass toward your bait. In cold and stained water scent will help the fish locate your bait. Some anglers have found fish using reaction baits near the shoreline and into deeper water. Try using small swimbaits fished on an underspin to cover water and catch fish that are more aggressive and willing to chase. 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 catfish bite during the winter months is generally pretty slow. Most of the cats will be caught by anglers targeting trout with either Power bait or nightcrawlers. During rising water conditions the catfish will move shallow and feed on any critters that have been caught off guard by the changing conditions. A large ball of crawlers will work well during the cold months and into the spring.

Crappie

The crappie are starting to bite and the prime time to catch them is right around the corner. With the recent rising water level the crappie will start to move back into some of the coves and creek channels. They love flooded brush and vegetation. Try using small spinners or mini jigs to locate crappie.