Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,229,435 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped three feet this week, and is currently at 972 ft. above sea level and 115 ft. from full. The average water temperature is a very warm 76-86 degrees. The lake is stained with mud lines forming near the shore in the afternoon.

Trout: Slow. The trout are roaming the main lake near deeper/cooler water looking for balls of shad. Anglers should try fishing close to the surface in the early morning and evening and dropping to 40-60' during the day. Night fishing anglers have been catching some chunky trout. The bite is not wide open, but we expect it to pick up in the next couple of weeks. The key to catching them at night is finding an area in that has deep water near by. Main lake points and island are productive areas to target. It may take awhile for the light to attract fish. If you don't have any luck within a few hours, try relocating to a different area. For bait try using night crawlers, Power Bait, or minnows. Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Pete Jogopulos, pictured above of Big Trees. He caught a nice 2-pound, 11-ounce rainbow while night fishing at the spillway.

Trolling anglers should target trout in the main lake, and near the mouths of creek channels in deeper water. Try trolling at a faster speed (2.5-3.5mph) to trigger a reaction bite. One of the best spoons for trolling fast is a Thomas Speedy Shiner. Also, some large rainbows and big browns can be caught rolling shad. We do encourage catch and release of brown trout, as the Department of Fish and Game is no longer going to plant them in the lake. Bank anglers should try using a bubble and a fly rig in the mornings and evenings. Or soak some night crawlers and Power Bait midday. Also, try fishing some other local lakes and streams. Fly Fisherman, head to rivers, streams, and creeks. Try using nymphs and buggers midday. Switch a dry fly for some evening surface activity.

Kokanee: Good. Anglers are catching their limits in 50-70' of water. The kokanee will suspend in cool water over creek channels and the main river channel. The fish that are being caught are very fat, and up to 13-15" in length. Another very important factor to consider when locating fish is wind direction. The wind will push the plankton from one side of the lake to the other. The kokanee feed on plankton so they are forced to follow it where ever it goes. Fish the wind blown side of the lake. Pink, green and chartreuse have been very productive colors. Try using a Watermelon colored sling blade, dodger, or side kick with your favorite micro hoochie, wiggle hoochie, or spinner behind. The main lake near the dam, Rose Island, and the spillway are good areas. We have also had some reports of fish being caught in the Carson Creek area and near the 49 bridge. The water is fairly stained so it is a good idea to apply an amply amount of scent to your dodger, and your lure. Don't forget to tip your lures with dyed and scented shoe peg corn.

Bass: Good. Early morning and late evening try throwing top water, and reaction baits. The water is stained so try using baits with gold blades or baits that have rattles. Gold stands out in stained and dark water and rattles create sound/vibration that will draw fish from a distance. Once the sun comes up the fish will pull off of the shoreline and out to deeper water. A Carolina rig is a great set up to cover water at many different depths. Try using baits with a large profile that will push more water. Lizards, brush hogs, and beavers are good choices for soft plastics. Another good way catch them is with a Texas rig worm. It is a good idea to use a bead under the weight to create a ticking noise. We have been seeing a lot of big spotted bass being caught and we possibly have a world record swimming around out there.

Glory Hole Sports employee Sherryl Van Sanden, Photo #1 caught and released a nice 2-pound, 11-ounce largemouth. She caught this one and several other nice fish trolling a Jointed Shad Rap Rapala.

If you do keep a bass, please keep the small spotted bass and release the big female (largemouth) black bass. Glory Hole Sports can teach you the difference, so you can practice good conservation of the species.

Catfish: Very good. Anglers are catching plenty of nice cats with average size being 4-8 pounds. Most fish are in shallow water from 5-20". Melones catfish tend to be fish-eaters rather than bottom foragers, so use live minnows, frozen shad, mackerel, or anchovies for best success. Also, chicken liver and night crawlers work well to. To attract fish at night try soaking your bait in anchovy scent, bloody tuna scent or garlic scent. The Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Roger Roach, Photo #2 of Modesto. He caught a hefty 11-pound, 7-ounce cat while soaking chicken liver near Rose Island at night.

Four year old Antonelle Aguilar, Photo #3 with her dad Tony, caught this 10-pounder- her biggest catch yet! She used garlic scented chicken liver while fishing off of Shipwreck Island.

Crappie: Fair. Some pretty decent slab-sides being caught. Try using a red/white or chartreuse crappie jig with live minnow, fished under a slip-float. The night fishing has been good for crappie and trout. Use a submersible light in the backs of the major creek arms. Also, the big blue gill have moved to shallow water to spawn.