Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 477,468 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped two feet this last week. It is currently at 853 ft. above sea level and 226 ft. from full. The water clarity is fairly clear in most of the lake with a few areas having some stained water. The water temperature has warmed, with the average being 66-72 degrees. Glory Hole Point boat launch is a two lane dirt road leading off of the end of the point. There is not a courtesy dock and 4-wheel drive is recommended.

Trout: Good. The trout fishing has been good for a few weeks now. Anglers targeting trout are catching limits of chunky rainbows. There are still some fish holding near the top of the water column, but many fish have moved to deeper/cooler water. In the morning and evenings try fishing near the surface and during the day drop down to deeper water. Trolling anglers have been having luck trolling spoons in the main lake near the old river channel. A great spoon to troll for trout is a Thomas Speedy Shiner. These spoons are designed to be trolled at a faster speed, which will often trigger more strikes. The weather forecast is predicting some cloud cover and maybe some rain. Many times the fish will bite better during these conditions and spoons with a gold base will work best. Some large brown trout are generally caught during the month of May, before the summer heat. Try trolling large jointed plugs near structure in the main lake or rolling frozen shad. Bank anglers should head toward the mountains where the rivers and streams are now open. Small spinners work well for targeting fish in flowing water. Panther Martins and Rooster Tails are both good choices. It is best to have a few different colors, some with chrome blades, and some with gold blades.

Niko Coromelas of Ranch Cordova caught a limit of trout while fishing near the 49-bridge.

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: Good. The kokanee bite continues to improve each week. We are seeing some healthy, fat kokanee being caught and can anticipate them growing to a very respectable size by mid-summer. Most anglers are finding luck fishing the main lake near the dam and the spillway. Pink, orange and chartreuse have been good color choices for both dodgers and lures. A small tear drop dodger with a micro has always been a go-to setup on New Melones. Another presentation that has been working is a slingblade trailed with a spinner. Uncle Larry's Spinners makes a pink/splatter spinner and an orange/splatter spinner and both have been putting limits in the boat. Be sure to add scent to your blade and lure and tip each hook with a piece of dyed and scented corn.

Bass: Good. The bass in Melones have been biting and can be caught on a variety of presentations. For those who prefer fishing with soft plastics, try using a bullet weight and fishing your favorite plastic rigged Texas style. Baits that continually produce nice fish include, brush hogs, beavers, Senkos and Roboworms. Natural crawdad, shad, bluegill and baby bass colors work well. Many anglers have also reported having luck with reaction baits. Try using a Lucky Craft Pointer or cranking a square-billed crankbait to target the more aggressive fish. In the mornings and evening there has been a good topwater bite. Spooks, Rovers and Gunfish are good choices for walk the dog type baits. Also, a small popper fished on a spinning rod can be really fun to fish and catches some surprisingly big fish. Jin Hayashihara of Japan caught and released a massive 8-pound largemouth while fishing with Xperience Fishing Guide Service, Guide John Liechty. PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE. The bigger fish are the future of our lake. Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.

Catfish: Very Good. Some really big cats are up in shallow water feeding and spawning. We have had reports of giant fish seen cruising the shoreline and have had tales of unstoppable fish breaking heavy line. New Melones has some crazy big cats that are usually spread out. Due to low water levels we expect to see a handful of 20-pounders caught this summer.Each week we are seeing some really nice cats. Typically catfish are known as bottom feeders. On New Melones they tend to feed on small bait fish and can often be caught roaming, suspended off of the bottom. Try using frozen shad, mackerel and sardines to target these fish eaters. Catfish will typically hunt by sense of smell, so it is a good idea to add plenty of scent to your offerings.

Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Misty Goulding of Angels Camp. She landed a giant 12-pound, 14-ounce catfish while fishing with anchovies near Angles Creek.

Crappie: Fair. The crappie will be holding in the standing timber that lines the lake. The best way to catch crappie is with live minnows. Try using a small minnow fished under a slip-float or casting a Beetle Spin into the brush.