9-10-13 New Melones Fishing Report
Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,071,951 acre-feet
of water. The lake level dropped two feet this week, and is currently
at 952 ft. above sea level and 134 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.
Dan
Williams and Kent Burns spent three consecutive day trolling the main
lake for trout. They did good catching several nice fish each day.
They reported catching their fish on shad patterned Excel and D-Willis
spoons.
Trout: Fair. There were a few anglers targeting trout and catching some pretty nice rainbows this week. Trolling anglers
try fishing the main lake by the Dam, spillway, and near Rose Island.
The shad will start schooling in the main lake and near the mouths of
major creek channels. The trout primarily feed on shad in the late
summer and fall. Some better than average fish have been caught at this
time in years past including, the lake record rainbow trout. On
September 7, 2012 angler John Gray was fishing on the "Take it to the
Limit Guide Service" boat with guide Gary Burns. He hooked into a
massive 8-pound 2-ounce rainbow on a silver/blue Excel spoon while
trolling the main lake. Trolling anglers try using shad patterned
spoons. Excels, Needlefish, and Speedy Shiners are all 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. Night fishing anglers
have been catching trout under a submersible light. During the dog
days of summer many fish feed at night. Power Bait, nightcrawlers, and
live minnows are all good choices for fishing at night.
The
Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Bob Trambley of
Twain Harte. He caught a nice 2.05-pound rainbow trout while fishing
with crawlers under a submersible light.
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 due to low water flows. During the day
try stripping streamers and buggers or fishing nymphs under an
indicator. In the evenings try using a Parachute Adams, Elk Hair
Caddis, or a Light Cahill for rising fish. 
Bob James of Murphys caught a nice limit of rainbows.
Bob James of Murphys caught a nice limit of rainbows.
Kokanee:
Slow. 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
kokanee have been schooling in deep water for the last few months. Try
targeting fish from 70-100' of water. Try using an Apex fished behind a
large 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. The
cooler nights and shorter days will help cool the surface temperature.
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
feeding heavily on schools of small 2" shad in deep/cooler water
throughout the day. A great way to catch them is to fish with exactly
what they are feeding on. There are many baits on the market that
resemble small bait fish and are great fished on a drop shot rig.
Roboworm Alive Shad, Zoom Tiny Flukes, and Skinny Bear Shad Eye Minnows
are great little baits that produce fish. 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. Many catfish
will roam flats, points, and humps to feed. When choosing a location to
fish focus on flat dirt/rock areas near deep water.
The
Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Matt Repko of
Angle Camp. He was fishing with anchovies near Tuttletown and caught a
nice 7-pound, 6-ounce. 
