Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,085,257 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped two feet this week, and is currently at 954 ft. above sea level and 132 ft. from full. The water temperature is cooling a bit but still a fairly warm 76-81 degrees. The lake is stained with mud lines forming near the shore in the afternoon.

Trout: Slow. There haven't been many anglers targeting trout. Best bet would be to fish the main lake by the Dam, spillway, and near the 49 bridge. The late summer into fall can be a great time to target large rainbows in the main lake. The lake record rainbow trout was caught at this time last year. On September 7, 2012 angler John Gray was fishing on the "Take it to the Limit Guide Service" boat with guide Gary Burns. He hooked into a massive 8-pound 2-ounce rainbow on a silver/blue Excel spoon while trolling the main lake. Night fishing anglers have been doing well catching trout under a submersible light. During the dog days of summer many fish feed at night. Your best chance at catching a 2-4 pound rainbow trout is to soak Power Bait or a ball of crawler under a light. Trolling anglers try using shad patterned spoons. Excels, Needlefish, and Speedy Shiners are all good choices. Trolling in dingy/stained water it is a good time to use a large string of flashers. Ford Fenders, Cow Bells, Lake Trolls, and Ball Trolls will create a lot of commotion and draw fish from a distance. Bank fishing has been very slow and usually is during the summer months. Best bet for shore anglers is to head to the high country lakes. Fly fishing local streams has slowed a bit but is still worth while. During the day try stripping streamers and buggers or fishing nymphs under an indicator. In the evenings try using a Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, or a Light Cahill for rising fish.

Kokanee: Fair. The kokanee are working their way upriver for their annual spawn and die. We have reports of a few fish being caught in the dam spillway area, but the majority of fish are being caught near the 49 bridge and up toward Parrots Ferry Bridge. The fish are starting to get a little color with some having a little hook mouth showing. The kokanee have been schooling in deep water for the last few months. Try targeting fish from 70-100' of water.

There are a few different setups that have been producing limits. The fish can be very aggressive at this time of year and will hit some fairly large lures. Try using an Apex fished behind a large dodger. Pink, green, and orange are good color choice for both the blade and the lure. It is very important to add plenty of scent to the blade and lure. Garlic, anise, kokanee special, and bloody tuna are a few favorites. Don't forget to tip your baits with dyed and scent shoe peg corn.

Bass: Fair. The bite has been pretty good in the morning and evening. The cooler nights and shorter days will help cool the surface temperature. Generally the top water bite is good at this time of year but right now we are getting very few surface blow ups. Most fish are being caught on a variety of soft plastic presentations. A Carolina rig, Texas rig, dart head, and drop shot are all good ways to catch them. The fish are in deep/cooler water throughout the day and move shallow early and late to feed. A very effective way to target fish in deep water is with a ?? oz. football head jig. With a heavy jig you can cover a lot of water while keeping contact with the bottom. The idea is to hit under water cover and structure with your jig. Most of the strikes will come after you pull the bait over a rock, tree, or limb. Also, if you do locate shad try using a vertical jigging spoon. 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. Most anglers are catching multiple catfish on each outing. The average size catfish is 4-8 pounds, with fish over 10-pounds considered to be better than average. We have had many reports of different baits that are working. Night crawlers, liver, shad, and anchovies seem to be producing the majority of fish. It is very important to use a sliding sinker or no weight at all. The fish will drop the bait if they feel any weight. It is a good idea to leave your bail open while waiting for them to bite. Let the fish run with the bait for a few seconds then set the hook. For bigger cats try using a whole mackerel or sardine fished on a double hook rig. Many catfish will roam flats, points, and humps to feed. When choosing a location to fish focus on flat dirt/rock areas near deep water.

Crappie: Slow. Few fish being caught at night under a submersible light. Try fishing the vertical walls upriver for bluegill, crappie, and small bass. There are schools of small shad that these fish are targeting. Small shad patterned soft plastics and crappie jigs should do the trick.