4-22-14 Fishing Report
Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding
984,966
acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped five feet this week and is
currently at 940 ft. above sea level and 145 ft. from full. The water
is slightly stained with some areas forming mud lines. The average water
temperature is 62-68 degrees and rising daily. The boat launch ramps on the Glory Hole side have been moved back out to the end of the point which makes for a very short walk.
Trout:
Slow. The trout has been tough and very few fish are being caught. The
lake level is dropping and the water temperature is warming. This will
push the trout from the shallows out to deeper/cooler water. Try to
find areas with clearer water that are protected from the wind and have
deep water access. Bank fishing
has been tough with most of the trout moving away from the shoreline.
If you do choose to fish for trout from the shore, try fishing near
Glory Hole Point and near the 49-bridge because the main river channel
and cooler water is close. For bait try nightcrawlers, or chartreuse or
rainbow garlic scented Power Bait. Trolling anglers
have been catching a few fish while trolling over deep water on the
main lake. To target these fish try using downriggers or leadcore line,
30-60' deep over 150-200' of water. The fish are relating to the old
river channel and deep water. They will be in cooler water areas during
the hotter summer months. Brighter colored baits have been working
best. Orange, chartreuse and firetiger will work for browns and
rainbows. When fishing the main lake and deep water it is a good idea
to have a couple lines out that are targeting brown trout. There have
been many really nice browns caught and released in the last few weeks.
Try rolling shad or trolling large jointed plugs or swim baits. A good
area for browns is out in front of the dam/spillway area or between the
bridges. It is also a good idea to add plenty of scent and remember to
reapply throughout the day. 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.
Keith Misclone of Atwater caught four chunky kokanee while trolling near Rose Island.
Kokanee:
Fair. The fish are starting to school up making them easier to find
and catch. We have had reports of multiple limits being caught. Some
of the kokanee seem to be a decent size for this time of the year, and
they have months left to grow. Pink is always a great color for dodgers
and baits, with orange and green producing fish as well. It is a good
idea to troll various sizes, colors, baits and blade combinations. The
fish will favor certain rigs, and it can be a process of elimination to
find what appeals to them throughout the day. Be sure to tip your baits
with dyed and scented corn or Gulp Maggots. Also apply scent to you
blades and lures, and continue to reapply multiple times on each outing.
Garlic, carp spit, kokanne special, and bloody tuna are all good
flavors to use.
Bob James of Murphys caught a nice limit of kokanee trolling Glitter Bugs pink micro hoochies on the main lake.
Blake
Osgood and his father and friend (not pictured) caught six kokanee near
Coyote Creek using pink hoochies and copper blades.
Bass: Good.
The bass are in transition to and from shallow water. At this time of
the year they are dawn to the shallows for the spawn. The lake level is
falling at an exaggerated rate making the fish a bit leery. In the
mornings and evening the bass have been moving closer to the shoreline
to feed. Throughout the day try fishing main lake points near deeper
water. The water is warming a bit each week and there has been a pretty
decent reaction bite. Try using spinner baits, crank baits, and jerk
baits to catch the more aggressive fish. Then slow down and fish a jig,
Carolina rig, or Senko to catch fish that aren't willing to chase.
Andrew Beard caught a nice 6-pound bass on a pumpkin Senko rigged Texas style near Glory Hole.
Please
practice catch and release during the spring months. The fish are full
of eggs in preparation for the spawn. Take photos and carefully release
the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population
for generations to come.
Catfish:
Fair. The big cats should be up and eager to feed in preparation for
the spawn. The water temperature is getting warmer each day which will
encourage the cats to move shallow. Try using frozen shad or a ball of
crawlers to target these fish. Catfish are drawn to bait by scent so it
is a good idea to add additional scent to your bait.
Glory
Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Doug Chew, and Luke
and William Lum. They landed a massive 13-pound catfish while fishing
with a white and chartreuse spinner bait.
Crappie:
Fair. The crappie bite is getting better each week and we are hearing
of more being caught each day. We expect a fairly good bite this spring
due to the lower water levels and the amount of standing timber. Try
fishing with mini jigs and grubs under a slip-float. Also, a great way
to catch them is with live minnows. The crappie that are being caught
are chunky 1-2 pound slabs.