Water Conditions

New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,909,550 acre feet. The lake level came up another four feet this past week and should continue to rise throughout the spring months. It is currently at 1044 ft. above sea level and 44 ft. from full. There is a very solid snow pack and the lake could possibly be full by this summer. On the surface is some floating debris which will increase as you travel upriver.

Trout

With substantial amounts of fresh water flowing into the lake and recent cooler weather, the trout are comfortably holding near the surface. Anglers can successfully target them without the use of downriggers. Trolling anglers should use a topline with 150' to 200' of line behind the boat to catch these beautiful rainbow trout. Small billed plugs, spoons and spinners will work well. Bright colors have been producing strikes and can be used to draw fish from a distance. Guide Gary Burns from Take it to the Limit Guide Service has been looking for kokanee and catching trout with kokanee gear. Bank fishing for trout has slowed and anglers should anticipate the opener of trout season, which is the last Saturday in April. The snow melt will have the creeks and rivers flowing. Use heavier lures to be sure to get down to where the fish are holding.

Kokanee

Many anglers have started to search for kokanee. However, we have yet to see any or hear of any being caught. The forecast is calling for some warm weather for the next couple weeks. This will warm the water and should help kick off this seasons kokanee fishing. For anglers who are looking to find the first kokanee of the year, try using a slingblade with a pink bladed hoochie, tipped with garlic corn.

Bass

The bite has been fairly good even with the drop in temperature and recent foul weather. The fish can be found in many areas of the lake at various depths. There is a large population of fish that are pulled away from the shoreline and staging in deeper water. Once the weather becomes clear and sunny many fish will move up into creek channels, pockets and coves. Soft plastic lures have been a go-to presentation. Finding a rigging method that can be fished effectively in the thick grass will help you catch more fish. Some anglers have reported catching fish on reaction lures. Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and crankbaits are all good choices. A bluegill pattern will work well during the spring months as the bass will become very territorial. Some large fish can be caught using rainbow trout patterned swimbaits.

10-year old Bixby Dean Dickison caught a monster of a largemouth bass Saturday morning, April 15th, at New Melones lake. He, his Father Bradley Dean and Grandad Walter Dean were celebrating Easter with a boys fishing trip. Here is a picture of the happy fisherman and his Grandad.

Catfish

Each week as the water temperature warms, the catfish will move into shallow water. They can be found scouring the banks in search of critters that have been caught off guard by the rising water or washed into the lake by moving water. Cast you bait near the shoreline and wait for the fish to find it. Try using catfish chunk bait or a ball of crawlers to tempt them into biting. Adding scent can be beneficial and further attract nearby fish. Garlic and nightcrawler are both good choices for scent.

Crappie

Crappie fishing has been extremely good this year. The fish are thriving at this lake level and can be found near flooded vegetation. They will move into creek channels during the spring months to spawn. Schools of crappie can be located by using a small Beetle Spin as a search bait. Once located, try using live minnow fished under a slip-float to continue to catch them.