Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 460,743 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped one foot this last week. It is currently at 849 ft. above sea level and 230 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 68-74 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 bite continues to be productive with many anglers catching limits. The main lake has been a good spot to search for actively feeding fish. The weather is going to be a bit warmer this week and will concentrate the fish in deep/cool water areas. Trolling anglers have been catching limits of fat healthy trout. First thing in the morning the trout can be found feeding near the surface. To target these fish try fishing a top-line 150-200' behind the boat. Small shad patterned plugs and square-billed crankbaits work perfectly for this style of fishing. Square-bills are great because they can be trolled at high speeds without rolling. Once the sun comes up, the fish can be found feeding on balls of shad in deep water. To catch trout that are in deep water, try using a trolling spoon. Spoons work great and will attract both trout and kokanee. Some big browns have been caught in the last week. It is a good idea to always have one line out with a big plug or rolling shad in hopes for a giant brown. Night anglers are starting to catch some fish under a submersible light. This is a great way to catch quality fish. The light will draw baitfish near and the big trout will follow. Try using large minnows fished under the light. Bank anglers can find betterfishing in the local lakes and streams in the high country.

Kokanee: Good. The kokanee at New Melones are very clean, fat and healthy. They just keep getting bigger and each week we are seeing some impressive limits being caught. The kokanee are starting to school in depths ranging from 35-55'. Many anglers have found luck trolling a variety of different baits. Glitterbugs Micro Hoochies, Uncle Larry's Spinners and Simon Baby Wobblers have been working well. The fish seem to be biting pink and orange baits. Also, try fishing a short leader between your dodger and lure. This will allow the dodger to move the bait side-to-side and will draw more strikes. Tip your lures with scented and dyed shoepeg corn. Garlic, anise and bloody tuna are a few favorites.

Bass: Fair. With the warming weather the bass will continue to pull offshore and find deeper areas to hold in for the hot summer months. The bass just finished their annual spawn and are in the process of recuperating. They will still be guarding bass fry and chasing away smaller fish that pose a threat to their offspring. Baby bass and bluegill baits work extremely well at this time of the year. A bass will chase, bite and eat any small fish that come near the area they are guarding. With this in mind, try using baits that resemble baby bass and bluegill. Some mornings the topwater bite has been on, and other mornings it has been a slow go. It is a good idea to have a topwater lure tied on and keep trying it throughout the day. For those who prefer fishing soft plastics, try using a 6" straight tail fished on a shakey head. The shakey head makes the bait appear to be feeding on eggs on the bottom, which will drive bass crazy. 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. The biggest cats in the lake are heading toward shallow water and scouring the shorelines for small fish to feed on. Frozen shad is a great choice because they are accustomed to feeding on shad in their natural environment. Many anglers will let the bait soak for a few minutes and the drag it slowly across the bottom. The movement of the bait will attracted any nearby catfish. When dragging the bottom it is a good idea to use a sliding sinker and a glass bead. The bead will create a ticking sound that will help bring attention to your bait. Also, catfish have poor eyesight and will feed primarily by smell. Add plenty of scent to your bait.

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. A few anglers are dropping submersible lights and catching a bunch of crappie doing so.