8-27-13
Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,098,977 acre-feet
of water. The lake level dropped two feet this week, and is currently
at 956 ft. above sea level and 130 ft. from full. The water temperature
is cooling a bit but still a fairly warm 76-81 degrees. The lake is
stained with mud lines forming near the shore in the afternoon.
Trout: Slow.
There haven't been many anglers targeting trout. Best bet would be to
fish the main lake by the Dam, spillway, and near the 49 bridge. The
trout are hanging around the old river channel in deeper/cooler water.
The shad are starting to school up near the mouths of major creek
channels. The intersection where a major creek channels meets the old
river channel is great area to target the trout. Night fishing anglers
are still catching a few limits of chunky 2-pound plus rainbows while
fishing under a submersible light. Try using night crawlers and Power
Bait to target these quality fish. Trolling anglers
try using shad patterned baits that have a large profile. Shad Raps,
Rattle Traps, Speed Traps, and Apexs are a few good choices. Trolling
in dingy/stained water it is a good time to use a large string of
flashers. Ford Fenders, Cow Bells, Lake Trolls, and Ball Trolls will
create a lot of commotion and draw fish from a distance.
Glory Hole
Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Bob Trambley of Twain Harte.
He caught a nice 4-pound, 5-ounce rainbow trout while fishing under a
submersible light near the marina.
Bank fishing has been very slow and usually is during the summer months. Best bet for shore anglers is to head to the high country lakes. Fly fishing
local streams has slowed a bit but is still worth while. During the
day try stripping streamers and buggers and in the evenings try using a
Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, or a Light Cahill for rising fish.
Kokanee:
Fair. 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 and up toward Parrots Ferry Bridge. The fish are starting to get
a little color with some having a little hook mouth showing. The bite
has been fairly good for most. The fish that are being caught are
extremely feisty and very fun to catch. The kokanee have been
schooling in deep water for the last few months. Try targeting fish
from 70-100' of water. There are a few different setups that have been
producing limits. The most popular seems to be a micro hoochie trolled
behind a small teardrop dodger. Pink, green, and orange are good color
choice for both the blade and the lure. It is very important to add
plenty of scent to the blade and lure. Garlic, anise, kokanee special,
and bloody tuna are a few favorites. Don't forget to tip your baits
with dyed and scent shoe peg corn.
Bass:
Fair. The bite has been pretty good in the morning and evening.
Generally the top water bite is good at this time of year but right now
we are getting very few surface blow ups. Most fish are being caught on
a variety of soft plastic presentations. A Carolina rig, Texas rig,
dart head, and drop shot are all good ways to catch them. The fish are
in deep/cooler water throughout the day and move shallow early and late
to feed. A very effective way to target fish in deep water is with a ¾
oz. football head jig. With a heavy jig you can cover a lot of water
while keeping contact with the bottom. The idea is to hit under water
cover and structure with your jig. Most of the strikes will come after
you pull the bait over a rock, tree, or limb. Also, if you do locate
shad try using a vertical jigging spoon. 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. Most anglers are catching multiple catfish on each outing.
The average size catfish is 4-8 pounds, with fish over 10-pounds
considered to be better than average. We have had many reports of
different baits that are working. Night crawlers, liver, shad, and
anchovies seem to be producing the majority of fish. It is very
important to use a sliding sinker or no weight at all. The fish will
drop the bait if they feel any weight. It is a good idea to leave your
bail open while waiting for them to bite. Let the fish run with the
bait for a few seconds then set the hook. For bigger cats try using a
whole mackerel or sardine fished on a double hook rig.
