Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 603,557 acre-feet of water. The lake level came up seven feet this past week. It is currently at 879 ft. above sea level and 206 ft. from full. The water clarity is clear in many areas and stained in a few due to wind and rainfall. There is some debris floating on the surface. The water temperature is gradually rising, with the average being 56-62 degrees. The dam area is still buoyed off.

Glory Hole Point boat launch is a two lane concrete ramp with a courtesy dock in place.

Trout: Fair. A handful of anglers are targeting trout and catching a few on each outing. There are some trout holding near the surface. On calm mornings and evening you can see fish breaking the surface. We have had some pretty good rainfall this winter and the lake has had plenty of fresh water flowing into it. The trout like the fresh water and it has made the bite a little better. Boating anglers have been trolling over the main river channel to catch some planted and holdover trout. Using a trolling spoon fished on a top-line will work well. The most productive color has been the black/white Cop Car Needlefish. Some anglers are using lead-core line to reach fish that are holding below the surface. Small Rapalas and lipless crankbaits are also a good choice. Bank anglers are catching very few trout from the shoreline. It is best to use baits and presentations that will appeal to multiple species. A mallow/crawler combo will catch trout and also coax nearby catfish into biting. Or, try a minnow on a slip-float to attract trout, crappie and bass. When the water surface is still, try using a bubble and fly combo. Use a small wet fly 3-4' behind a clear bubble.

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: Slow. The kokanee bite is right around the corner. We have had a few reports of anglers catching kokanee while trolling for trout. The second week in April is usually when we start to see some fish being caught. May through August, are prime months to target the kokanee.

Josh Parris of San Andreas caught and released a massive bag of largemouth bass. His biggest weighed 11.24-pounds. He reported catching his fish on a large swimbait.

Bass: Good. New Melones is a great lake to target spotted bass and largemouth. The bite has been good for awhile and we can expect it to remain for another couple months. The water temperature continues to warm, this will increase their metabolism and they will feed more actively. The bass become very territorial at this time of the year and will strike lures as a reaction. Try using baits that seem to pose a threat to their nesting areas. Soft plastics that are bulky and resemble small fish will work best. Beavers and Brush Hogs are both good choices. Also, bluegill are the enemy during the spawn. Use bluegill colors to agitate the bass. With the water warming and the reaction bite improving. Try using baits that can be fished rather fast and used to cover water. Crankbaits, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits can be used to fish various depths and locations. Another great little bait that can be fished through and around heavy cover is a fluke. The water is still rising each week and many fish are holding in fairly deep water. To catch these fish that have positioned on the outside of spawning areas, try dragging a bulky jig. A jig will resemble crawfish, or they can be fished as a baitfish pattern as well, alternate trailers to give your jig the appearance of each.

PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE. The spawn is near and many fish will be holding eggs. Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.

Kevin Dye of Arnold had another good day kayaking. Him and his friends caught and released over 30-fish.

Catfish: Good. Each day the water warms a little more and the catfish will become more active. During the spring months some of the largest catfish in the lake will move to shallow water. Try fishing near large rocks. The rocks will warm throughout the day and the fish and bait will be drawn to the warm water. Using a larger portion of bait will appeal to fish that are not as active. They are opportunistic feeders and would rather eat one big meal than a handful of little ones.

Crappie: Good. The crappie bite has been much better this year than the past few. We are receiving reports of anglers catching some nice crappie. There seem to be schools of crappie to be found, rather than isolated fish here and there. It is best to use a lure that can be fished fast to locate the crappie. A small Beetle Spin is a good choice. Once a few have been located, slow down and fish with a mini jig or a live minnow under a slip-float. Using a mini jig and a live minnow in combination will often work best. The fish will be attracted to the bright colors of the jig and won't be able to refuse the action of the minnow swimming around.