Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,053,301 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped one foot this week, and is currently at 950 ft. above sea level and 136 ft. from full. The water temperature will be cooling a bit but each week until the lake turns over. The lake is still a fairly warm 74-78 degrees.

Trout: Fair. The trout are starting to bite, and fishing continues to improve each week. The cooler nights and shorter days will help cool the water temperature. This should make the trout more active and easier to catch. The shad are starting to school in the main lake near the mouths of major creek arms. Try fishing over deep water near the dam, spillway, and Rose Island. Trolling anglers try using shad patterned spoons. Excels, Needlefish, and Speedy Shiners are all good choices. Two spoons trolled in tandem is a good way to trigger a few more strikes. The two spoons will resemble a pair of fleeing baitfish.

Pictured Above: 13-year old Patrick Newt caught 4 nice rainbows while trolling a Glory Hole Sports tandem spoon rig near the spillway.

Photo #1: The Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to George Lindsey of Murphys. He caught and nice limit of rainbow trout while trolling Needlefish spoons on the main lake. His biggest weighed 2-pounds, 5-ounces.

Bank fishing has been very slow and usually is during the summer months. With a little rain and fresh water we should start to see some fish moving to the shore. Best bet for shore anglers is to head to the high country lakes. Fly fishing local streams has slowed a bit due to low water flows. During the day try stripping streamers and buggers or fishing nymphs under an indicator. In the evenings try using an orange Stimulator to represent some of the large stoneflies that hatch in the fall.

Photo #2: John Harmon and Ron Gilchrist of Sacramento landed some rainbows while trolling shad patterned spoons in 65' of water near the dam.

Kokanee: Slow. The kokanee are working their way upriver for their annual spawn and die. We have had reports of very few fish being caught. The fish are turning. They are getting some color and a hooked mouth. The kokanee have been schooling in deep water for the last few months. Try targeting fish from 70-100' of water. 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 bass fishing has been tough for most anglers. Some fish are moving shallow to feed early mornings and in the evenings. Try using crawdad colored jigs and soft plastics to target these fish. There is a large population of fish that are suspended and holding on off shore structure which makes them very difficult to find and catch. The key to finding these fish is to find where the bait is. Use your electronics to find bait and the bass will be near. To catch them try using baits that resemble the bait fish they are feeding on. Small shad patterned soft plastics fished on a drop shot rig should do the trick. Another way to catch these fish, is with a suspending rip bait such as a Lucky Craft Staycee or a Pointer Minnow. If the fish targeting balls of shad in deeper water try fishing a vertical jigging spoon to catch them. The most popular spoon sizes are ?? oz. and ?? oz. P-line Laser Minnows, Macks Sonic Baitfish and Hopkins spoon all are proven fish catchers. 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.

Photo #3: The Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Dennis Sullivan of Jamestown. He caught a couple hefty cats near Tuttletown using worms for bait. The biggest one weighed 12-pounds even.

Photo #4: Kracker Morris of Arnold caught a chunky cat that weighed 11-pounds.

Crappie/Bluegill: Slow. With the cooling water these sunfish will get harder to find and catch. They are still in the shallow water near the trees and standing timber. Try using live minnows, nightcrawlers, or mini jigs under a slip float to target these fish.