New Melones Reservoir's current lake level is 1056.00 and 32 ft. from full. The water level on New Melones this year has stayed impressively high, only dropping 16.4 ft. thus far from its high this year, giving up little shoreline, Water Temperature is 74d. Water clarity is improving with the cooler weather dropping water temps. The fish cleaning station is closed at Angels Cove with water line breaks interfering with operations. The Bureau of Reclamation has been plagued with deteriorating water lines at Glory Hole and Tuttletown campgrounds, the latest a water line break the day before the long Labor Day weekend, however the Bureau stepped up to get the repair done, avoiding shutting down restrooms and showers.

Anglers FYI: For anyone with a potential lake record please call us at the store and hopefully we can send someone to weigh, photograph and measure the catch at the lake. GHS is the unofficial recorder of lake records for New Melones, and we understand there is sometimes conflicting interest in the welfare of the catch, whether or not to release the potential record, sacrificing your place as a record holder for the lake.

We do promote catch and release. For potential lake records, record the statistics of the fish... length, girth, weight and photographed at the lake before releasing her. If indeed we can verify the information that is provided, such as a witness, comparing the scale used with ours, a photograph with the fish hanging from the scale and can see the scale weight, etc...then we can accept this as proof. If your catch has expired than indeed bring it in to GHS so we can record it here, and you can have it mounted!

TROUT
New Melones is laying claim once again to the best fishery in the west. These two were fishing with Josh Parris Guide Service. After this fish inhaled the bait and screamed off 150 yds of line, drug the boat 30 yds, they finally netted this beauty.

KOKANEE
New Melones Kokanee are pretty much turning on the lock jaw with few reports coming in on full limits. Kokanee have been located in 60-80 ft. on the bottom.

BASS
Anglers reporting a slow bite on spots and largemouth. Dennis Myles of Modesto stopped by Glory Hole Sports reporting he hooked up on a 4.6 lb. largemouth using a crank bait and some smaller bass using a dropshot, but indicated overall it was a slow day of fishing.

CATFISH
Glory Hole Sports annual CATFISH CONTEST is now accepting sign-ups until the end of the month, contest starting Oct. 1 and ending on Oct. 31. For more information go to our website www.gloryholesports, or stop in the store.

Anglers have been landing numerous large cats in the 8-10 lb. range. Using the cove on the south side of the dam, and Tuttletown coves have been giving up cats using night crawlers, cut baits and chicken livers.

CRAPPIE
Anglers report landing Crappie in many different coves on the lake, using crappie jigs, crappie nibbles, and live minnows.

NEW MELONES GUIDE REPORTS;

Xperience Fishing Guide Service
The bass bite on New Melones has been much slower than previous years. Typically, we will find large schools of fish on long points, island tops, bluff walls and creek channels. But this summer they are not holding on likely structure and seem to be moving from one day to the next. We have caught them from shallow to deep and continue to work on finding a concentrated pattern. The water temperature remains high, but the recent cooling weather could change things. With that being said, we have found a window of opportunity in many locations to hook a handful of quality fish and some of the larger ones too. There are many small bass that are suspended in the water column and some larger ones will join the mix. A dropshot with a small shad pattern is a good way to catch them. Also, using a small crankbait has been a good choice. The larger fish we have come across have been taking swimbaits, A-rigs and topwater. When fishing these techniques expect to go without a bite for some time, but when it does happen you will be rewarded for your efforts.

Xperience Fishing Guide Service
http://www.xperiencefishing.net
xperiencefishing@yahoo.com
John Liechty (209)743-9932

HeadHunter SportFishing
209-531-3967

Fishing has slowed down from previous weeks but the big ones can still be caught working the saddles in 80 to 90' of water right on the bottom pulling apex's and Paulina Peaks Flutter Bugs with big dodgers.  Patience is key their in full spawn mode and are not in the mood to chase offerings, stay with it and eventually one will hit.

With the cooler temps approaching we're looking forward to chasing the big rainbows that New Melones has to offer.