Water Conditions

New Melones Lake is currently holding 2,002,009 acre feet. The lake level came up two feet this past week and should continue to rise throughout the spring months. It is currently at 1052 ft. above sea level and 36 ft. from full. There is a very solid snow pack that will provide plenty of water to fill the lake. On the surface is some floating debris which will increase as you travel upriver.

Jim Pogue and Jack Lewis put nine trout in the boat trolling a dodger with a crawler combo.

Trout

The trout bite has been quite good for the past few weeks. Anglers have been catching some quality trout while trolling near the surface. The water temperature has remained cool and the trout are responding well to it. The snow melt and fresh water flowing into the lake should keep the trout active during warmer months. Trolling anglers have found luck top-lining in many different areas of the lake. Angels Creek, the dam, the spillway and Coyote Creek are some productive locations to look for actively feeding trout. Kokanee gear seems to be working best. Brightly painted hoochies and spinners trolled behind a slingblade will work best. Add a small chunk of crawler or some kokanee corn to further attract strikes. Bank fishing for trout has been slow and will most likely be that way for the next few months. The rivers and streams have opened in the high country. Shoreline anglers should head to the mountains and try fishing for some trout.

Colin Kelley brought in a five fish limit of trout. He reported trolling a hoochie from Angels Creek to the spillway to find luck.

Kokanee

We have a report of kokanee being caught. Take it to the Limit Guide Gary Burns put a couple of fat 15" to 16" kokanee in the boat this past week. He caught these beautiful chunks in 14' to 16' of water while trolling spinners and hoochies behind blades. Rocky Mountain slingblades in purple/pink seemed to do the trick. Be sure to tip your hooks with kokanee corn and it never hurts to add scent to both your blade and your lure.

Bass

The bass bite has been good and anglers are catching some nice spotted bass and largemouth bass. The patterns have been very unpredictable and the fish can be found in both deep and shallow water depending on the weather conditions. The California Bass Federation held a tournament in New Melones on Sunday April 30th. The sign-ups and results took place at Glory Hole Sports. The anglers reported catching their fish on drop-shot rigs and Senkos. First place went to David McEwen his five best weighed 14.48-pounds with a big fish of 9.37-pounds. Second place went to Kyle Porter with 13.76-pounds and third place was Jason Remmers with 13.58-pounds. As the water warms the reaction bite should pick up. The flooded vegetation that covers the shoreline is great habitat for the bass and will provide shelter for their fry. This will make for a very healthy lake for years to come.

Catfish

As the water temperature rise the catfish will continue to move toward the shallow water. The giant catfish will scour the banks in search of critters that have been caught off guard by the rising water. Catfish are commonly known as bottom feeders, but they are actually a predatory fish. They will move into shallow water to hunt and feed on bluegill, baby bass, shad and other small fish. Frozen bait will work well. Shad can be fished on a standard bait rig and moved slowly across the bottom to attract fish. Nightcrawlers are never a bad choice and can be soaked in scent to attract fish from a distance. Breelynn Walton of Sonora caught a nice 7.4-pound catfish while soaking Power Bait by the bridge.

Craig Ross caught a 15-pound, 6-ounce catfish. He was crappie fishing with a live minnow when this giant struck. Talk about a good fight!

Crappie

The crappie are still biting pretty good. A handful of fish are suspended in open water and the anglers trolling for trout will occasionally hook into one. Many crappie will move in to warm water pockets and coves. Look for areas with flooded cover. Willow trees, large bushes and grass will provide shelter and hold schools of fish. Try using live minnows, artificial and jigs to target these schools.