New Melones Fishing Report from Glory Hole Sports

New Melones Fishing Report

Water Conditions:  New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,208,364 acre-feet of water.  The lake level dropped three feet this week, and is currently at 969 ft. above sea level and 118 ft. from full.  The average water temperature is a very warm 78-86 degrees.  The lake is stained with mud lines forming near the shore in the afternoon.   

                                                                              

Trout: Slow.  The trout are hanging near the main river channel and major creek channels. They are avoiding the very warm surface temperature.  Try to focus on deep cut banks and outside bends on these channels.  Get a good contour map of the lake to locate these areas.  The trout are primarily feeding on 3-5" shad in 40-60' of water. Night fishing anglers have been catching some chunky 2-pound rainbows near the dam and the spillway.  Night crawlers and Power Bait have been the two most productive baits to use at night.  Trolling anglers try using shad patterned spoons to "match the hatch".  Needlefish, Excels, and Kastmasters in chrome, chrome/blue, and prism are good choices.  Another great spoon that can be trolled at higher speeds is a Thomas Speedy Shiner.  This bait trolled by itself (no flashers) at 150-200' behind the boat is a great way to cover a lot of water.  Also, try tipping your spoon with a chunk of crawler or a trolling grub.  Bank anglers try a marshmallow crawler combo or Berkley Garlic Power Bait. There are very few trout being caught from the shore. You might consider heading to one of the high country lakes for better bank fishing.  Fly fishing anglers try fishing local rivers, creeks, and streams.  Use beaded headed Prince Nymphs, Copper John's, and Pheasant Tails midday.  In the evening try switching to a dry fly.  Pale Morning Dunns, Adams, and Humpys are all good choices for dry flies.  Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Josh Parris of San Andreas. Josh reported he was still fishing from a boat with jigs and worms upriver. He caught a limit of nice rainbows, the biggest weighing 2-pounds, 4-ounces.

Kokanee: Good.  Anglers are catching their limits in 60-90' of water.  The kokanee will suspend in cool water over creek channels and the main river channel. They will also use these channels in the late summer and fall to migrate for their annual spawn. The fish that are being caught are very fat, and up to 13-15" in length.  Another very important factor to consider when locating fish is wind direction.  The wind will push the plankton from one side of the lake to the other.  The kokanee feed on plankton so they are forced to follow it where ever it goes.  Fish the wind blown side of the lake.  Pink, green and chartreuse have been very productive colors.  Try using a Watermelon colored sling blade, dodger, or side kick with your favorite micro hoochie, wiggle hoochie, or spinner behind.  The main lake near the dam, Rose Island, and the spillway are good areas.  We have also had some reports of fish being caught in the Carson Creek area and near the 49 bridge.  The water is fairly stained so it is a good idea to apply an ample amount of scent to your dodger, and your lure. Don't forget to tip your lures with dyed and scented shoe peg corn.      

Bass: Fair.  Early morning and late evening try throwing top water, and reaction baits.  Once the sun comes up the fish will pull off of the shoreline and out to deeper water.  A Carolina rig is a great set up to cover water at many different depths.  Try using baits with a large profile that will push more water. Lizards, brush hogs, and beavers are good choices for soft plastics.  Another good way catch them is with a Texas rig worm.  It is a good idea to use a bead under the weight to create a ticking noise.  Also, with the fish being in deeper water, try dragging heavier ¾-1oz. football head jigs.  California Reservoir Lures makes a variety of jigs that work great in our Mother Lode lakes.  We have been seeing a lot of big spotted bass being caught and we possibly have a world record swimming around out there.  If you do keep a bass, please keep the small spotted bass and release the big female (largemouth) black bass.  Glory Hole Sports can teach you the difference, so you can practice good conservation of the species.

Holden Chan caught a 9-pound, 1-ounce catfish fishing of off Osprey point with anchovies.

Catfish: Very good.  Anglers are catching plenty of nice cats with average size being 4-8 pounds.  Most fish are in shallow water from 5-20".  Melones catfish tend to be fish-eaters rather than bottom foragers, so use live minnows, frozen shad, mackerel, or anchovies for best success.  Also, chicken liver and night crawlers work well to.  To attract fish at night try soaking your bait in anchovy scent, bloody tuna scent or garlic scent.  The Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Matt Seldom of Sonora. He caught a hefty 12-pound, 5-ounce cat while soaking chicken liver near the dam at night.   

Crappie: Slow.  Few fish being caught at night under a submersible light.  Try using minnows or a red/white crappie jig.