Water Conditions:?? New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,578,930 acre-feet of water.?? The lake dropped almost 4 feet this week, and is currently 1011 ft. above sea level and 71 ft. from full capacity.?? Surface water temperature is about 79-82 degrees. Water is stained in the main lake with around 15 ft. visibility and strong mudlines near shore due to falling water levels.??

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!

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.?? Night Fishing under a submersible light for trout is the best way to catch trout right now.?? Anchor over 100 feet of water near the spillway, dam, or Black Bart Cove.?? Drop your submersible 20 feet deep and fish 30-50 feet deep with a crawler/Power Bait combo.?? Tom Dutil and Nels Niemi caught limits of trout while night fishing near the spillway.?? The biggest rainbow was 3-pounds, 9-ounces, and wins our Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest.?? Tom also caught the biggest catfish we have seen this week. 8- year-old Amiel Romand and 10-year-old John Dozal caught limits of rainbows while night fishing near the spillway.?? Debra and Peter Jogopulos also caught limits while night fishing.

Trollers are picking up mixed limits of kokanee with the occasional trout.?? Troll 40-50 feet deep- deepest 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.?? Crawler/spinner combinations are also working, but are less likely to pick up kokanee at the same time.?? Use ball troll flashers such as Vance's Slim Willies, and a dodger on your line.?? Rolling shad may get you a rainbow or a big, beautiful brown trout.?? The Morgan Family of Monterey caught a rainbow and a brown trout while trolling Apexes near the spillway.?? Joe Hallett caught a rainbow there as well.

Kokanee:???? We are really seeing some quality fish, and limits are easy to come by.?? Fish 40-60 feet deep, to as deep as 80 feet during the day, over submerged islands and points in the main lake, especially around the spillway and Rose Island.?? Pink or red are your best colors right now.?? Pink Hootchies are your best bet.?? Murphy's Bugs, Uncle Larry's Spinners, Pro-troll Kokanee Killers or Apex in pink or any UV color are also catching kokanee.?? Attractors mentioned were dodgers, Sling Blades, or Wild Things in pink, watermelon or chrome.?? ProCure Garlic has been the best scent, with Carp Spit, and Anise Pro Cure scents also mentioned.?? Anglers who showed us limits of kokanee this week include The Morgan Family of Monterey, Joe Hallett, and John Darroch.

Bass:?? the bite has slowed somewhat, with smaller fish being the norm.?? Bass have moved to main lake points holding deep structure, with some holding on to points upriver.?? Spinnerbaits or deep diving crankbaits drug across these points will catch fish.?? Drop-shot rigged or Carolina-rigged 6" worms or Baby Brush Hogs in crawdad colors such as Roboworm's Aaron's Magic or Zoom watermelon or green pumpkin fished in the same areas are another good choice.???? There continues to be a top-water bite when the sun is off the water (dawn and dusk) or in a shady spot near deep water, such as upriver next to steep rock walls or next to the bridge pilings.?? Night fishing is very good, with fish more plentiful and active.?? Use a dark (June bug or black) worm or spinnerbait in the same areas.?? 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:?? Lots of big cats coming in!?? Use anchovies, mackerel, 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.?? Catfishing is best at night, but be sure to bring mosquito repellant!?? Tom Dutil of Angels Camp wins Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest (catfish) and a free deli lunch.?? He caught a 13-pound catfish on a night crawler while night fishing for trout under a submersible light near the spillway.?? Rick Robinson of West Point was bank-fishing with chicken livers in Angels Cove, when he caught three big cats- the biggest weighed 9 pounds.??

Crappie and bluegill:?? The crappie bite is slowing down somewhat, after a great spring bite. Night fishing under a light is best. Crappie can be found hanging out in submerged trees, about 15-20 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 plentiful, and are great for keeping the kids entertained.?? A large bobber with a piece of a nightcrawler under it thrown into the back of a cove or cut where there is lots of structure will catch little sunfish almost the second it hits the water.?? Bend down the barb on the hook to make releasing the little fish easier.