Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 626,431 acre-feet of water. The lake level came up one foot this past week. It is currently at 883 ft. above sea level and 202 ft. from full. The water clarity is clear in most of the lake. There is some debris floating on the surface. The water temperature is gradually rising, with the average being 58-64 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.

Steve Proctor of Danville caught a nice limit of rainbow trout. He had his success fishing a string of flashers trailed by a nightcrawler.

Trout: Good. This last week was the best trout bite we have seen all year. Most anglers targeting trout caught limits. Each week we are seeing more trout near the surface and being caught by anglers. The lake has come up over 80' since the first of the year and all that fresh water has made the fish more comfortable and willing to bite. Boating anglers have had success trolling spoons near the surface and down to 30'. Some anglers have also reported luck trolling a string of flashers trailed by a nightcrawler. The flash and vibration will attract fish and they will eat the crawler. Some kayak anglers have been doing well trolling a wooly bugger or a tube fly behind a teardrop flasher. Bank anglers are having very little success fishing for trout from the shore. It is best to use bait that will appeal to multiple species. Live minnows and nightcrawlers are both good choices.

Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Dante Ivani. He caught a limit of trout trolling kokanee spinners on the main lake.

Mark Schneider of Angels Camp has been catching trout on each outing. He caught his limit fishing a shad patterned spoon by the dam.

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. For those who want to start targeting kokanee, try trolling a pink spinner or hoochie trailed behind a slingblade or teardrop dodger. Be sure to add corn to each hook.

Bass: Good. The bass are in transition to and from spawning areas. Look for areas that have both deep and shallow water nearby. The bass will spawn in protected areas of the lake. Look in creek channels, coves and pockets for springtime bass. The water temperature continues to rise and the bass will become more active. To find fish try using a reaction type bait. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits and small swimbaits work well to cover water and find areas where the fish are holding on that given day. Once you have located a productive location try slowing down and using a soft plastic presentation. Try using a weightless Senko fished slowly to entice some of the larger finicky fish. Also a hand poured worm fished on a light weight drop-shot rig is a good choice. Alternate between bright colors and natural colors throughout the day and let the fish tell you which one they prefer. Often bright colors will trigger a reaction bite. Bass will get very territorial during the spawn and snap at anything that would pose a threat. VERY IMPORTANT: PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE. The spawn is here and many fish are holding eggs. Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.

Catfish: Good. The water has warmed to a very optimal temperature for the catfish to become active. Many catfish are moving into shallow water and feeding often throughout the day. Catfish are commonly mistaken as bottom feeders, but they will actually hunt and feed on other fish and creatures much like a bass would. Try using shad or nightcrawlers to offer a presentation they would naturally feed on. Catfish have very poor eyesight and feed by scent as well. Add scent to help the fish locate your bait.

Crappie: Good. The crappie have responded well to the raising water levels. Many anglers are catching some nice fish up to 2-pounds. There seems 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. Look for areas with large standing timber and shallow water nearby.

Art Smith and Gary McCoy caught over 30-crappie. They reported catching most their fish on mini jigs and a few on live minnows.