Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 392,356 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped three feet this last week. It is currently at 833 ft. above sea level and 255 ft. from full. The water clarity is stained in many areas and will occasionally clear up. The water temperature is warm, with the average being 74-79 degrees. Glory Hole Point boat launch is a two lane dirt road and gravel leading off of the end of the point. There is not a courtesy dock and it is best to launch with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Trout: Fair. With the water temperatures being warm during the summer months, the trout will congregate in the deepest parts of the lake. It is best to purchase a quality topographical map or use your electronics to find these cooler areas. The river channel leading to the old lake will continue to hold fish as the water levels drop. Night fishing anglers are doing well catching trout while fishing under a submersible light. The trout will move up in the water column and feed during the cool hours of the night. Try to find intersections where creek channels and structure meets up with the main body. Anchor the boat in 25-50' of water, and drop the light 15-25' feet down. Be patient, it may take a while for the light to attract plankton, baitfish, and trout. To catch them, try using live minnows, mini jigs, Power Bait, and crawlers. Trolling anglers are catching a few trout and a few kokanee. Baits with a large profile fished in deep water have been working best. 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.

Bob James of Murphys caught a nice limit of kokanee. He reported using an Apex and trolling the main lake at 65' to catch these fish.

Kokanee: Fair. This last week the kokanee bite seemed to improve quite a bit. Many anglers reported catching fish and few caught their limit. The kokanee are very fat and healthy and continue to grow. The water is stained and the fish are down holding in 50-70' of water. It is very important to use presentations that create vibration and move water. Baits that have a side-to-side wobble or baits with blades will attract fish. The large sized slingblade and dodgers will also move more water and increase the side-to-side swing. When fishing in low light conditions, be sure to apply ample scent to your lures. Or, use an Oregon Tackle Scent Chamber to ensure you are creating a scent trail. The fish will pick up the scent and follow it to the bait. Add dyed and scented corn to each hook.

Bass: Good. The bass anglers continue to have much success. The bite for numbers is consistent, and there have been some big largemouth and spotted bass caught and release in the past couple of weeks. With the day time temperature being warm it is a good time to target bass during the night. The bass will go on feeding frenzies during low light conditions and hunker down during the midday heat. Most anglers are using a variety of soft plastics to catch the bass. Try using bulky baits and fishing them on a Texas Rig with a glass bead. Each time the bead and the weight separate and come back together, it will create a ticking sound. This will help bass locate the bait. There has been a good reaction bite and many bass seem eager to chase. It is best to fish baits that's are somewhat weedless and can be pulled through the brush. Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and swim jigs are all good choices. Try adding a small swimbait, our crawdad soft plastic as a trailer. During the day there will be a few short windows of opportunity to hook some nice topwater fish. It is best to always have one tied on and keep trying it through the day.

Tony Bettencourt caught a couple of nice largemouth while throwing a crankbait. He reported catching one over 3-pounds and another over 5-pounds.

PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE. The bigger fish are the future of our lake. Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.

Catfish: Great. The catfish are in shallow water and heavily feeding. This has been one of the best years for catfish, and anglers are bringing in some really nice ones. Some anglers are reporting catching dozens of cats on each trip. The bite seems to be best at night, but it is very possible to catch them during the day as well. Frozen shad, anchovies and mackerel have been producing fish. Try using these frozen baits fished weight-less. Use enough bait to make a short cast and let the bait soak lifelessly on the bottom, without being pinned down with a sinker. Remember, many of the catfish are in shallow water and close to the shoreline. Find areas with a slow, tapered shoreline. What happens on shore usually continues into the water. Try casting your bait somewhat parallel on steep banks and more toward the middle of Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to John Wilson of Angels Camp. He caught a 5-pound, 11-ounce catfish while fishing with chicken liver off of Glory Hole Point.

Crappie: Good. Some anglers have been catching a bunch of crappie at night with mini jigs fished under a submersible light. We have had reports of 2 to 3-pound crappie being caught. The crappie have been hard to find the last couple of years and they seem to be on the rebound. The lake on flat banks and points.