Water Conditions

New Melones Lake is currently holding 520,678 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped one foot this past week. It is currently at 862 ft. above sea level and 223 ft. from full. The water clarity is clear in most of the lake with a slight stain in some areas. The water temperature is slightly cooling, with the average being 63-68 degrees. The concrete ramp is CLOSED and is no longer in use. There is also a courtesy dock on the dirt launch which will be in place for the remainder of the summer and until the concrete ramp is open again.

Trout

The water temperature continues to cool and we are getting closer to the annual turnover of the lake. The rainfall in the forecast should help expedite the process. This will bring those 3 to 5-pound trout that have been holding in deep water up into shallow water. The trout will follow the shoreline and feed on the surface throughout the cold winter months. Trolling anglers are still catching them in deep water from 70' to 100'. Trolling at faster speeds has been working well. The next couple weeks we will be having cloudy/rainy days. Typically brightly painted lures will work best under these conditions. Try using baits that have fluorescent green and orange on them. Gold and copper are good choices for blades. We can expect them to start to move up and anglers will be able to use a leadcore line or a top-line to catch them. Bank anglers should start to soak Power Bait and toss Kastmansters to catch some of the first fish that move shallow. During rainstorms, fish will pull into areas that have fresh flowing water. Look for drainage ditches and creek channels that have flowing water. We do encourage catch and release of brown trout, as there does not seem to be a large population of them in the lake. Carefully measure, weigh and photograph trophy fish and send us pictures and information.

Kokanee

The season has come to an end and the kokanee will be spawning in the creek channels and upriver.

Bass

The bass bite was a little better this last week and anglers reported catching some nice spotted bass. The bass are in transition from summer to fall as the water temperature cools. The next couple weeks we can expect them to be in more of a fall-like pattern. Many fish are holding in deep water and feeding on schools of shad. The shad should start to move up in the water column as we approach the winter months. Try fishing with reaction baits and lures that can be used to cover water. Small crankbaits, ripbaits and swimbaits are all good choices. Shad patterns work well, but on cloudy/rainy days try incorporating a few bright colors. If the fish are not willing to chase a faster moving presentation, try slowing down and fishing a presentation that will remain in their strike zone for a longer period of time. A vertical presentation can be used to keep the bait in the strike zone. Jigging spoons and dropshot rigs are both good choices. Some fish will be holding tight to the bottom and can be caught on a variety of soft plastics. There is quite a bit of brush lining the lake making a weedless presentation a preferred setup. Try using a Texas Rig or slowly dragging a jig across the bottom. 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

Glory Hole Sports Fall Catfish Contest will be going for the entire month of November. We are signing up contestants daily and will throughout November or until we reach 50-entrants. The fall is usually a great time of the year to catch large catfish. The catfish will feed heavily for the next couple months and bulk up for the colder winter months. They will act much like a bear and will hibernate during the winter, feeding much less. With the water temperatures dropping and the fresh rainfall running into the lake, the catfish will scour the shoreline. They will feed on small fish and crawdads that have moved up to feed on small insects that are washed into the lake. Try using frozen shad, mackerel and sardines to catch these fish eaters. Preserved crawdads are also a good choice. Catfish have very poor eyesight and will be drawn by scented baits. Dough baits can be fished alone or added to a frozen bait rig produce a more powerful scent. Night crawlers and chicken livers work well and can be soaked in Mike's Lunker Lotion or Power Bait Catfish Attractant.

Crappie

The crappie bite has slowed, but a few anglers have reported catching some nice 2-pound slab. They will be holding in tall standing timber near deep water and feeding on schools of shad that swim past. Live minnows and mini jigs fish under a slip-float will work. Try fishing near the mouth of any of the major creek channels. As the water temperatures cool the crappie will school up and start to feed heavily on the shad that are migrating into creek channels. Follow the bait and the crappie will be nearby.