Water Conditions

New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,566,777acre-feet of water. The lake level came up fourteen feet this past week and will continue to rise with the recent and upcoming rainfall. It is currently at 1010.50ft. above sea level and 78ft. from full. The water clarity on the lake has cleared up considerably since the last rain storm. There is scattered debris floating on the surface throughout the lake. The water temperature is a steady 49-52 degrees. The middle launch on Glory Hole Point, Angels Creek launch ramp and Tuttletown ramp are ALL OPEN with two docks in place on each ramp. The water is lapping against the bottom of the upper ramp at Glory Hole Point, and we are anticipating the opening of this ramp in the next week.

Trout

We are looking forward to sunny weather with temps in the low 60's for this weekend. The lake will continue to rise and the trout will move into the newly flooded areas. The surface temperature will be cool and the trout will up in the water column. Trolling anglers continue to find success fishing with spoons and Rapalas on a top-line., and down to 15 ft. While trolling a great way to produce strikes is to use Macks Wedding Ring spinner bait as this produces vibration and the spinner in brass, silver or gold will flash in the sun light, producing strikes. Many areas of the lake are holding both planted trout and holdover trout. Another really good lure for trolling, that is often overlooked is a Tasmanian Devil. The firetiger color will draw fish from a distance even in water with less clarity. Look for protected pockets, coves and creek channels to find fish feeding on the surface. They rising water levels have washed many insects and small creatures into the water. The fish will swim the shoreline in search of an easy meal. Bank anglers should look for fresh flowing drainages and shallow water pockets. Try using nightcrawlers in combination with Power Bait or marshmallows. Casting lures will also work well and can be used to locate actively feeding fish. Tasmanian Devils and Kastmasters are both a good choices. The water clarity is a little stained in some areas and bright colors will work best. Add scent to your lure to further attract fish. 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 kokanee generally will not start to bite until spring. April is a good month to start targeting the kokanee again.

Bass

With the water level rising rapidly, the fish have scattered throughout the lake. Some fish will hold deep and others will move shallow. They will also be holding on a variety of structure types. As the water level becomes more consistent, so will the bite and the fish behavior. The water temperatures are fairly cold and the fish are in a winter-like pattern. Slow moving baits will draw strikes. Keep an open mind and fish different depths throughout the day. The fish will move and relocate. There is an abundance of freshly flooded vegetation lining the lake. Weedless presentations are still a good option on the lake. Bass Patrol Arkie Head with a brush guard will glide thru the vegetation and can be used to effectively cover water without hauling in grass on every cast. A Texas rigged worm is a great choice. The bullet shaped weight pulls through grass and a texposed rigging is completely weedless. A Carolina rig is another good choice. Many anglers will continue to catch fish on a drop-shot rig. A long leader will hold the worm above the grass. Bass anglers have reported pretty impressive catches using Alabama rigs/Keitch soft baits, and s-wavers. As the water warms, some fish will become more active and be willing to chase. A small swimbait fish on an underspin is a good option. 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. There will be small critters that are trapped during these conditions and the catfish will often take advantage. Nightcrawlers are a good choice for bait during the cold winter months and into the spring. A little scent will also help the fish locate your bait.

Crappie

The crappie are starting to bite with reports coming in from anglers catching 14" slabs. 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. Glory Hole Sports has acquired a new bait tank from Minnow Masters and will be offering fresh, healthy minnows. $6.99 doz, medium minnows, $8.99 for large minnows.