Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,130,008 acre-feet
of water. The lake level dropped two feet this week, and is currently
at 960 ft. above sea level and 126 ft. from full. The average water
temperature is a very warm 78-84 degrees. The lake is stained with mud
lines forming near the shore in the afternoon.
Trout: Slow.
The trout are in deeper/cooler water. The surface temperature is
considerably warm which will keep the trout from coming up to shallow
water. Focus on the main river channel where cool water is constantly
flowing. Trout feed primarily on 3-5" shad. Night fishing anglers
are still successfully catching limits of 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. Also, try using a vertical jigging
spoon under and around the light to simulate injured and dying shad. Trolling anglers
have been catching a few fish while trolling for the kokanee. Late
summer can be an awesome time to troll large plug style baits in deep
water for large rainbows. Try using shad patterned Rapalas, Rattle
Traps, and Speed Traps to target these fish. 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. Stimulators, Adams, and Humpys are all
good choices for dry flies.
Kokanee:
Good. The kokanee are working their way upriver for their annual spawn
and die. We have reports of a few fish being caught in the dam
spillway area, but the majority of fish are being caught near the 49
bridge. The fish are very clean, healthy and fat. The bite has been
good and the fish are extremely feisty. The kokanee have been
schooling in deep water for the last few months. Try targeting fish
from 70-100' of water. In deep water there is very little light
penetration so it is important to use blades that will stand out. Gold
and copper are better choices than silver in dark or dirty water.
Vibration is another important factor to consider. Try using baits that
have a Colorado or a Dakota blade. These blade styles produce a pulse
that will draw fish to your bait. Use plenty of scent on your sling
blade/dodger and bait. A few good choices are bloody tuna, garlic
nightcrawler, and kokanee special. Don't forget to tip your baits with
scented shoe peg corn.
Bass:
Fair. The nights have been cooler and the bass bite is starting to
pick up. Most fish are being caught on soft plastics fished in deep
water. Natural crawdad and shad colored baits will produce fish. Try
fishing long points, humps, and bluffs with deep/cooler water nearby.
The fish will spend in the day suspended in deeper water, and move
shallow in the mornings and evening to feed. A good way to catch them
is with a drop shot rig and a 6" hand poured worm. This setup can be
fished in shallow and deep water. The shad are schooled up and staging
in the main lake near the mouths of creek channels. If you can locate
these balls of shad there will be fish around them. Try ripping a 1/2oz.
to 3/4oz. spoon through the bait balls. Often times if you disturb the
bait you can trigger the bass into biting. 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.
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. Target flat areas near deep water such as; island tops and long
points. The catfish will use these areas as a dinner table to feed.
Glory
Hole Sports employee Gary Powell went fishing with wife Jessica, and
son Shane. They caught a hefty cat near the Tuttletown boat launch that
weighed over 9-pounds. 
The
Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Michelle Powell
Mayfield and her 2-year old grand daughter Aubrielle Hardnett. They
landed a big 9-pound, 6-ounce catfish near the 49 bridge. The caught
this fish midday on a wax worm in 20' of water.
Crappie:
Slow. Few fish being caught at night under a submersible light. Try
using minnows or a red/white crappie jig. The crappie and bluegill are
being forced to deeper water due to dropping water levels. This makes
them very hard to locate and catch.
