Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 935,865 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped seven feet this week and is currently at 933 ft. above sea level and 152 ft. from full. The water is slightly stained with some areas forming mud lines. The average water temperature is 64-68 degrees and rising daily. The boat launch ramps on the Glory Hole side have been moved back out to the end of the point which makes for a very short walk.


Trout: Slow. The trout bite at the lake has been fairly tough. The fish are at many different depths and scattered about, making them difficult to target. In the next couple months they will definitely be favoring the cooler water near river channel in the main lake. Trolling anglers try fishing various depths from 10-60'. Excel, Needlefish, and Speedy Shiner spoons are all good choices for trolling. The brown trout will often hang around schools of small kokanee. It is a good idea to have one rod setup to catch the larger browns while trolling for rainbows and kokanee. Try rolling shad or trolling large jointed plugs to coax them into biting. Bank fishing for trout has been very slow. Trout season is open for rivers, and streams, it might be best to try your luck in these areas. If you do choose to target trout from the bank try using chartreuse or rainbow garlic Power Bait. Night anglers have been having some success fishing under submersible lights. Nightcrawlers and Power Bait will work well and also live minnows are hard to beat. Try using a slip-float and a bobber stop to set your presentation at exact depths. We do encourage catch and release for the brown trout as The Department of Fish and Game will no longer be planting them. Carefully measure, weigh and photograph trophy fish and send us pictures and information.


Kokanee: Fair. The fish are starting to school up making them easier to find and catch. We have had reports of multiple limits being caught. Some of the kokanee seem to be a decent size for this time of the year, and they have months left to grow. Pink is always a great color for dodgers and baits, with orange and green producing fish as well. It is a good idea to troll various sizes, colors, baits and blade combinations. The fish will favor certain rigs, and it can be a process of elimination to find what appeals to them throughout the day. Be sure to tip your baits with dyed and scented corn or Gulp Maggots. Also, apply scent to you blades and lures, and continue to reapply multiple times on each outing. Garlic, carp spit, kokanne special, and bloody tuna are all good flavors to use.


Bass:Good. The lake level continues to drop quite a bit each day. The fish are still biting, and can be caught at many different depths. Try fishing shallow in the mornings and evenings and moving out into deeper water throughout the day. A variety of soft plastics are working well such as Senkos, Brush Hogs, and lizards. Try fishing them on a Carolina Rig in deeper water. There has also been a pretty decent reaction bite. The fish are active and willing to chase crank baits and jerk baits. Try using natural colored baits in clear water and bright colored baits in stained water. Also, there is always a handful of fish that are eager to bite a jig. Try using colors that resemble crawdads, baby bass, and bluegill. A ?? oz or ?? oz football jig can be fished in shallow or deep water and used to locate fish. Please practice catch and release during the spring months. The fish are full of eggs in preparation for the spawn. Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.


Catfish: Fair. The big cats should be up in shallow water and feeding. The water temperature is getting warmer each day which will encourage the cats to move shallow. Try using frozen shad or a ball of crawlers to target these fish. Catfish are drawn to bait by scent so it is a good idea to add additional scent to your bait.


Crappie: Fair. The crappie bite is getting better each week and we are hearing of more being caught each day. We expect a fairly good bite this spring due to the lower water levels and the amount of standing timber. Try fishing with mini jigs and grubs under a slip-float. Also, a great way to catch them is with live minnows. The crappie that are being caught are chunky 1-2 pound slabs. Try using a submersible light at night to attract baitfish and draw schools of crappie from a distance