Water Conditions:?? New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,765,237 acre-feet of water.?? The lake dropped about 3 feet again this week, and is currently 1030 ft. above sea level and 58 ft. from full capacity.?? Surface water temperature is now about 74-78 degrees. Water is fairly clear with around 15 ft. visibility with mudline forming due to falling water levels.?? The middle (main) ramp at Tuttletown is in use.?? The high-water ramp at Glory Hole is still in use- the main ramp at Glory Hole becomes useable (along with the huge parking lot that is now underwater) at around 1028 ft., so it will be exposed soon.

Caution!?? Falling water levels expose rocks, trees and island tops, which the Bureau of Reclamation may not have marked. Please use caution, and watch out for obstacles!

Ramp info:?? For those of you worrying about low water levels, don't.?? New Melones Lake will have usable ramps at Tuttletown unless water levels drop below 900 ft., at Glory Hole unless water levels drop below 860 ft. (there is another ramp that volunteers built below that, too), at Angels Cove unless water levels drop below 975 ft., and at the Visitors' Center unless water drops below 760 ft.??

Trout:?? Bank anglers should head to local creeks and rivers (such as Angels Creek), which are receiving regular trout plantings from DFG.?? Berkley Power Bait or Power Eggs, or Pautski's Salmon Eggs are your best bet.

Trollers: the full moon slowed the bite somewhat, but we are still seeing mixed limits of kokanee/trout.?? Troll 40-50 feet deep- deeper in the heat of the day.?? Most trout that we have seen have come from the main lake.?? Tie on an Apex, or a spinner/crawler combo.?? Bright colors seem to be working well- firetiger has been a popular choice.?? Use ball troll flashers, or flashers on your line.?? Many anglers are having luck with a dodger.?? Rolling shad will get you a rainbow or a big, beautiful brown trout.?? Gary Hegel and a friend went fishing together and caught 6 nice rainbow, as well as two limits of crappie, on crappie jigs.?? The biggest rainbow weighed 3-pounds, 10-ounces, winning the Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest (salmonids) and a free deli lunch.?? Other anglers who found rainbows this week include George Ambrose, Joe Hallett, Don Myshrall, and Richard and Katie Kowski.??

Kokanee:?? Really starting to turn on, despite the full moon.???? Fish weigh ?? to 1?? pounds on average.?? According to Bruce Hamby of Sierra Sportfishing, limits were plentiful in the main lake, around Tuttletown, the mouth of Mormon Creek, and Rose Island.?? Kokanee are holding 30-50 feet deep, and hitting pink lures such as Apex and Uncle Larry's pink spinners, trolled behind dodgers and ball trolls, and scented with Pro Cure Carp Spit, krill with shrimp, or krill with anise. Other anglers who found kokanee this week include George Ambrose, Joe Hallett, and Katie and Richard Kowski

Bass:?? red-hot!?? Big fish are easy to find, with 3-4-pounders being common.?? The backs of coves, cuts and creek arms that hold a lot of lay-down wood or rocks are holding big bass.?? There is a great top-water bite, especially in the mornings and evenings, and spinnerbaits are working, too.?? Senkos and Zoom Trick Worms, crawdad imitations and jigs, and Zoom Lizards and Brush Hogs are all working great.???? Remember to practice catch-and-release.?? The Department of Fish and Game does not plant bass, so it is up to us to maintain the bass fishery!??

Catfish:?? Now is the time to target big cats.?? Use anchovies, sardines, or a ball of nightcrawlers.?? Leave your bail open so the cats can pick the bait up and swim with it- you will be more likely to hook them that way. Also, be sure to use a sliding sinker weight.?? With warmer weather, the catfish bite really turns on.?? Catfishing is best at night, but be sure to bring mosquito repellant!

Crappie and bluegill:?? Slowing down somewhat, after a great spring bite.?? Crappie can be found hanging out in submerged trees, about 5-15 feet deep.?? Bear Creek, Mormon Creek and Carson Creek are all good bets.?? For crappie, try fishing live small or medium minnows, or crappie jigs with jigs in red/white, black/chartreuse or purple/white.?? Remember- 25 is the limit for crappie.?? Bluegill are really starting to bite, and they are a great way to get kids hooked on fishing.?? Use a crawler under a bobber.