Water Conditions:?? New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,469,793 acre-feet of water.?? The lake dropped 1 foot this week, and is currently 1000 ft. above sea level and 88 ft. from full capacity.?? Surface water temperature is about 79-84 degrees. Water is stained in the main lake with around 8 ft. visibility and strong mudlines near shore due to falling water levels.?? All ramps are in the water.??

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).?? Berkley Power Bait or Power Eggs, or Pautski's Salmon Eggs are your best bet.?? Christian Dunn caught 2 big rainbows weighing up to 2 ?? pounds, while bank fishing with salmon eggs in the north fork of the Stanislaus.?? Some areas of the Stanislaus are open to barbless hooks and lures only- watch for signs.?? Trollers are picking up mixed limits of kokanee with the occasional trout.?? Troll 50-60 feet deep- deepest in the heat of the day.?? Most trout that we have seen have come from the main lake.?? Tie on a shad-patterned Apex, or a spinner/crawler combo.?? 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. Joe Diconza of Pine Grove caught a 3-pound, 4-ounce brown trout while trolling a firetiger spinner 65 feet deep in the main lake.?? Night fishing under a submersible light is another way to target trout at this time of year.?? Anchor in the deepest water you can- 80-100 feet deep is ideal.?? The area in front of the spillway is the most productive spot, but under the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge, over the islands between the spillway and Glory Hole Point, and in front of the dam are all good places, too.?? Drop your submersible light into the water, as deep as you can get it.?? The light attracts plankton, which attract shad, which attracts trout.?? This takes some time, so be patient.?? Use a worm threader to thread a nightcrawler up your line, and tip your hook with some glitter Power Bait Select.?? The Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest (salmonids) winner this week was night fishing. Tom Dutil of Angels Camp used Captain America Power Bait with a crawler while fishing near the spillway, and caught a 4-pound, 3-ounce rainbow.?? He and Jason Caldwell of Modesto caught a nice limit.

Kokanee:???? Still going strong.?? Kokanee have begun to lose their scales, and are many are developing the big huge jaw. Fish are tightly schooled, so once you find the kokanee, double-hook-ups are common.?? They are becoming more aggressive as spawning time nears.?? We are still seeing some that look fresh though- it seems to depend on the school you get into.?? Fish 65 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.?? Hootchies, Uncle Larry's Spinners, Sockeye Slammers, Pro-troll Kokanee Killers or Apex in firetiger, green, pink or any UV color are also catching kokanee.?? Attractors mentioned were dodgers, Sling Blades and Sep's Sidekicks in pink, watermelon or chrome.?? ProCure scents in garlic, freshwater shrimp, Kokanee Special, and herring are all good choices. As kokanee move closer to the spawn, many pros add a little Bang crawdad scent to their corn, too.?? Anglers who caught kokanee limits this week include Mike Yarletz, Larry Zuercher, Katie Roeser, and Charlie Zeller, Bill Shanley, Scott Heliotes, Christy Puerta, Dick Niebaur and Josette Summersett (with Fish ???n' Dan's Guide Service) and Denny, Ed, Michael and Roy (with Bill Dunn's Fishing Charter).

Bass:?? the bite has slowed somewhat, with smaller fish being the norm.?? Points adjacent to creek arms upriver, and into the creek arms, are good spots to try in the heat of the day.?? Throw spinnerbaits or deep diving crankbaits. 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:?? slowing down a little.?? 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.????

Crappie and bluegill:???? 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.