Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,149,425 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped three feet this week, and is currently at 962 ft. above sea level and 124 ft. from full. The average water temperature is a very warm 78-86 degrees. The lake is stained with mud lines forming near the shore in the afternoon.

Trout: Slow. The trout are in deeper/cooler water. The surface temperature is considerably warm which will keep the trout from coming up to shallow water. Focus on the main river channel where cool water is constantly flowing. Trout feed primarily on 3-5" shad. Night fishing anglers are still successfully catching limits of 2-pound rainbows near the dam and the spillway. Night crawlers and Power Bait have been the two most productive baits to use at night. Also, try using a vertical jigging spoon under and around the light to simulate injured and dying shad. Trolling anglers have been catching a few fish while trolling for the kokanee.

Pictured Above: Guide Gary Burns of Take it to the Limit Guide Service had clients Jed Bender and Kenny Laney for a day of fishing. They caught some healthy kokanee and some nice trout. They reported catching their fish in 80-100' of water.

Bank anglers try a marshmallow crawler combo or Berkley Garlic Power Bait. There are very few trout being caught from the shore. You might consider heading to one of the high country lakes for better bank fishing. Fly fishing anglers try fishing local rivers, creeks, and streams. Use beaded headed Prince Nymphs, Copper John's, and Pheasant Tails midday. In the evening try switching to a dry fly. Stimulators, Adams, and Humpys are all good choices for dry flies.

Kokanee: Good. The kokanee are working their way upriver for their annual spawn and die. Anglers have located schools of kokanee near Glory Hole Point and upstream to the 49 bridge. The fish are very clean, healthy and fat. The bite has been good and the fish are extremely feisty. Try using micro hoochies and spinners in pink, green, chartreuse and orange. Most fish are being caught in 60-80' of water. In deep water there is very little light penetration so it is important to use blades that will stand out. Gold and copper are better choices than silver in dark or dirty water. Vibration is another important factor to consider. Try using baits that have a Colorado or a Dakota blade. These blade styles produce a pulse that will draw fish to your bait. Use plenty of scent on your sling blade/dodger and bait. A few good choices are bloody tuna, garlic nightcrawler, and kokanee special. Don't forget to tip your baits with scented shoe peg corn.

Bass: Fair. They will move up in the mornings and evenings for a short period of time to feed. Then they will head to deeper/cooler water throughout the day. Try targeting banks and bluffs that lead into deep water. Throughout the day try fishing standing timber and mud lines. The water is fairly stained so it is a good idea to focus on baits that have vibration and move water. Try using crank baits, chatter baits, and spinner baits to cover water. For soft plastics try fishing with bulkier baits. A good trick to enhance your standard soft plastics is by adding a punch skirt to your set up. This trick works best on a Texas or Carolina rig. 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.

Photo #1: 8-year old Leon Hermosura caught a big 7-pound, 14-ounce cat. He caught it on frozen mackrel near Glory Hole Point.

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. Target flat areas near deep water such as; island tops and long points. The catfish will use these areas as a dinner table to feed.

Photo #2: The Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Bob James of Murphys. He caught 10-pound, 12-ounces. He reported catching it in 20' of water using liver for bait.

Crappie: Slow. Few fish being caught at night under a submersible light. Try using minnows or a red/white crappie jig. The crappie and bluegill are being forced to deeper water due to dropping water levels. This makes them very hard to locate and catch.