Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,329,434 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped two feet this week, and is currently at 984 ft. above sea level and 103 ft. from full. The average water temperature is 68-72 degrees. The lake is stained with mud lines forming near the shore in the afternoon.

Trout: Fair. The fish have moved out to deeper/cooler water. The fish are feeding in 40-60' of water on main lake points near the old river channel. Trolling anglers try using plugs that have a large profile and put of a lot vibration. Fish will feed on sight, scent, and sound (vibration). In deep water there is less light penetration and visibility, so it is important to focus on scent and sound. Rattletraps, Speed traps, and Shad Raps are great baits that will draw strikes from a distance in dark water. The Rapala Scatter Rap is a new bait that will work well for trolling. This bait has a unique bill and an unpredictable action that is going to produce some nice bows and some big browns. We do encourage catch and release of brown trout, as the Department of Fish and Game is no longer going to plant them in the lake. Bank anglers have been catching a few trout using a Power Egg/crawler combo or fan casting a Kastmaster. Also, try fishing some other local lakes and streams. Fly Fisherman, head to rivers, streams, and creeks. Try using nymphs and buggers midday. Switch a dry fly for some evening surface activity.

Pictured Above: Steve Sousa caught some very nice kokanee and a few bows. He caught them on a orange tube near the spillway.

Kokanee: Fair. Some anglers are finding their limits in a few hours of fishing, and others are struggling to get a limit. Main lake near Glory Hole Point, the spillway, and the dam have been the most productive areas to locate schools. There are also a few fish being caught in front of Carson Cove and toward the 49 bridge. The fish are in deep water due to the hot weather and dropping water levels. Try trolling at various depths to locate the fish. We have had reports of fish being caught from 40-100' deep. Try using larger hoochies, Wee-Things, and Apex to get their attention in low light conditions. Also, darker colors (purple, blue, and black) will draw more strikes in deeper water. When choosing a dodger remember painted blades will work better in dark water, and prism tape, and glitter need light to reflect. Use a short 12-18" leader if your bait doesn't have a blade or a bill. Tip your lures with scented and dyed shoe peg corn. It is a good idea to add extra scent, to create a scent slick to help the fish locate your bait.

Bass: Fair. The majority of fish have pulled off the bank due to dropping water levels. They will move up in the morning and evenings to feed and then head out to deeper water midday. Early morning top water bite has been good. Try using a walk the dog type bait such as a Spook, Rover, or Sammy. Or, twitch a popper near the shoreline. Add a feather tail to your bait to improve the action and get a few more blow-ups. Once the top water bite dies, switch to a soft plastic presentation. Try using a brass and glass Texas rigged worm. With the water being stained the brass and glass rig will draw fish from a distance, and a Texas rig won't get hung up as often as other offerings. We have been seeing a lot of big spotted bass being caught and we possibly have a world record swimming around out there. The current state record and world record was caught May 3, 2001 out of Pine Flat Lake. It weighed 10-pounds, 4-ounces. If you catch a fish that is larger, and want it to be recognized as a state record, it must be weighed on a certified scale. The post office or the grocery store meat department has a certified scale. It is very important to practice catch and release during the spring months! If you do keep a bass, please keep the spotted bass and release the big female (largemouth) black bass. Glory Hole Sports can teach you the difference, so you can practice good conservation of the species.

Catfish: Good. Some big cats are showing up in shallow water. Melones catfish tend to be fish-eaters rather than bottom foragers, so use live minnows, frozen shad, mackerel, or anchovies for best success. Also while bait fishing, it is a good idea to drag your bait across the bottom every few minutes to attract nearby fish. Use a sliding sinker with a bead to create a ticking noise as your bait is moving. In dark water add murky water it is a good idea to add extra scent to your bait. Catfish hunt by sound/vibration and smell.

Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest goes to Caity Mauro, Photo #1 of Columbia. She caught a chunky 12-pound, 14-ounce catfish on chicken liver.

Crappie: Fair. Some pretty decent slab-sides being caught. Try using a red/white or chartreuse crappie jig with live minnow, fished under a slip-float. The night fishing bite has started to pick up.