10-13-14 Fishing Report
Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding
517,907
acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped just inches this week and is
currently at 861 ft. above sea level and 215 ft. from full. The water
is stained in most of the lake and starting to clear in a few areas. The
average water temperature is 74-78 degrees. Tuttletown launch is
closed. Glory Hole Point boat launch is the road leading off the end of
the point. It is a dirt launch without courtesy docks and 4wd is
recommended.
4-year
old Jacob Walker caught a big catfish while fishing near the 49-bridge.
He was using a nightcrawler for bait when this 9-pound, 6-ounce cat
bit.
Trout:
Slow. There are a few anglers on the lake that are starting to find
some nice rainbows while trolling the main lake. The larger trout will
school in deep water and feed on balls of shad. Trolling anglers
try using spoons trolled in 45-65' water. To target the large browns
try rolling shad or using a large billed plug. Another thing to keep in
mind is the water clarity. Bright colored baits or baits with rattles
will attract fish in stained water better than lighter more natural
patterned baits. 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 anglers
the bite has been pretty good fishing local streams and rivers. Try
using dry fly patterns in the mornings and evenings and fishing nymphs
and buggers mid 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.
Kokanee:
Almost Done. The season is winding down and very few anglers are
targeting the kokanee. The fish are heading upstream for their annual
spawn and die. Some fish will migrate later than others. To target
these fish try trolling in 70-90' of water. Darker colors will work
best and larger baits and blades will get more strikes. Be sure to add
scent to your presentations.
Bass: Good.
The lake level has been stable for a couple weeks, which has made the
bass more predictable. The bass are in a late summer/early fall
pattern. The shad are schooled up in the deep water and the bass are
hunting them in wolf packs. Shad patterned worms, grubs and small swim
baits have been working extremely well for fish holding tight to
structure and for fish that are suspended in deeper water. Try using a
shakey head when fishing around brush and switching to a drop shot in
open water. There has been a pretty good reaction bite with a handful of
fish biting crank baits, jerk baits and spinner baits. The jig bite
continues to be productive. Try dragging crawdad patterns with a
matching twin tail grub or swimming a shad patterned jig with a grub or
small swim bait. Try fishing bluffs and points near major creek
channels. Please practice catch and release. 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. This is a great time of year to target the large cats.
With winter right around the corner they are going to feed heavily in
preparation of the colder months. They will move shallow throughout the
day and night to feed primarily on other fish and crawdads. The bass
and trout are ambushing the schools of shad. They will often kill more
than they eat leaving some wounded and dead shad for the cats to clean
up. Some cats become very aggressive and will crash the bait along side
other predator fish. Frozen shad is a good choice of bait for this
reason. Other frozen fish baits like sardines, mackerel and anchovies
will work as well. Also, bring some crawlers and chicken liver. These
two baits have been fooling the cats for years. A little extra Pro Cure
scent is a good idea especially when fishing in stained water or at
night.
Glory
Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Greg Olson of Columbia. He
landed a chunky 10-pound, 4-ounce catfish while fishing a jigging spoon
in 35-40' of water for bass.
Crappie: Very Slow. It's been a tough year and we have seen very few crappie.
We are offering a FREE
1/4oz Kastmaster to anyone who brings their rainbow trout catches by
the store to be weighed and photographed. One per customer per week
