New Melones Reservoir's current lake level is 1047.32 and 40.68 ft. from full, down from the high level of 1057.05 on March 9. In anticipation of snow melt off the Sierras, water releases continue to drop New Melones Reservoir lake level. Were hoping water releases will soon diminish and allow the lake to rise back to near full as it was at the beginning of March. Water clarity on the lake is clear.

This time of year in Calaveras County spring time is an opportunity to really enjoy outdoor activities, see nature in bloom and see lots of wildlife in the area. Calving, goslings hatching, and birds frantically nesting, our foothills are alive with spring fever.Traffic to the lake has been steadily increasing (aside the fisherman) as the weather and water finally warms. So get out and enjoy all the beauty that Calaveras County and New Melones Lake offers.   

We like to promote catch and release on New Melones. If you do so, provide us a picture and bring it in for a copy or email it to us at gloryholesports@yahoo.com so we can put it on the board or in the newsletter.

Anglers FYI: For anyone with a potential lake record please call us at the store and hopefully we can send someone to weigh, photograph and measure the catch at the lake. GHS is the unofficial recorder of lake records for New Melones, and we understand there is sometimes conflicting interest in the welfare of the catch, whether or not to release the potential record, sacrificing your place as a record holder for the lake.

We do promote catch and release. For potential lake records, record the statistics of the fish... length, girth, weight and photographed at the lake before releasing her. If indeed we can verify the information that is provided, such as a witness, comparing the scale used with ours, a photograph with the fish hanging from the scale and can see the scale weight, etc...then we can accept this as proof. If your catch has expired than indeed bring it in to GHS so we can record it here, and you can have it mounted!
 
TROUT
Anglers on New Melones trolling for trout are having the best luck in Angels Cove. Variety of lures Rapala, Speedy Shiners, and rolling shad have spawned a bite.

KOKANEE
Kokanee are slow to start this year, with warmer weather coming, it should spurn plankton bloom on the lake, kicking off the Kokanee bite. (Get your scented pink kokanee corn here at Glory Hole Sports)

BASS
Bass bite has been really good despite changing weather, wind and rain. Multiple different baits are in use, spinner bait bite has come on, rip baits, crank baits, chatterbaits, and swim baits are in the arsenal. River2Sea has a new Stand N Yabbie in two sizes and two colors Green Pumpkin and Brown Orange. What a Bass Menace!

CATFISH
 

CRAPPIE
Crappie bite is just off the hook here at Melones, many anglers coming in to pickup live minnows for bait.

NEW MELONES GUIDE REPORT

John Liechty -xperiencefishing.net

New Melones bass fishing has been great. The bite has been changing daily and we have been adapting to high winds, rain and blue skies. Under certain conditions the fish can be found plastered to the shoreline and our bites are coming quick. Other days a deeper retrieve is necessary to trigger strikes. Day in and day out the finesse tactics are reliable. Fishing a variety of soft plastics on an assortment of rigging methods will put fish in the boat. The shakeyhead, NED rig and nail rig are among the top producers. And, with the water clarity being clear some translucent greens and natural colors are the ticket. For those in search of big bites on big baits the swimbaits are still effective. It may take many casts but we have seen and hooked some impressive big bait fish lately. The topwater bite is coming on, but is yet to break wide-open. We are also operating out of a new Ranger RT188 fully loaded with a Mercury 115hp four stroke. If you are looking to learn new techniques, target giant bass, go for a ride in the new boat or just Xperience Fishing give me a call.

Xperience Fishing Guide Service
http://www.xperiencefishing.net
xperiencefishing@yahoo.com
John Liechty (209)743-9932

Josh Parris Fishing Guide Service

Spring is here and New Melones is fishing great. The bass have started spawning and there are fish now in all three phases of the spawn. For targeting the pre spawn fish I've been focusing on main points adjacent to spawning pockets and throwing larger finesse presentations, big Swimbaits and Shad imitations. The spawning fish have been harder to target this year with the water dropping significantly weekly. Most beds are not even getting the chance for the eggs to hatch. With the water levels dropping most beds are high and dry before the eggs can mature. If conditions allow they can be sight fished but will also fall for most finesse presentations blind casted to the bank. Typically post spawn fish are more susceptible to top water and reaction style baits but with the recent temp drops the top water has slowed but should pick up as the water warms.
(Jared found a few with big Swimbaits)

Hope this helps you on your next trip to New Melones, If your looking for an in-depth break down and great day of fishing you can book a trip with me.
Josh Parris Guide Service
(209) 217-7368