Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 269,954 acre-feet of water. The lake level dropped three feet this past week. It is currently at 799 ft. above sea level and 286 ft. from full. The water clarity is fairly clear in most of the lake and stained in some of the creek arms. The water temperature continues to cool, with the average being 66-70 degrees. The dam area has been buoyed off due to current that is created when releasing water. Glory Hole Point boat launch is a one lane dirt and gravel road leading off of the end of the point. There is not a courtesy dock and it is best to launch with a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Trout: Slow. A few trout are slowly starting to show up in shallow water. We have had reports of anglers seeing them near the surface and feeding on shad along with bass and other predator fish. Anglers will catch a few trout while fishing for bass, often times catching some of the larger trout in the lake. Trolling anglers should still focus their efforts on deeper water. Some fish are shallow, but most of them will still be holding in 40 to 60' of water. There is an abundance of shad and the trout will feed on them when they get the chance. Try using baits that resemble shad. Not only in color, but in size and shape as well. Feeding fish will often key on a silhouette, especially in deep water or under low light conditions. Bank anglers can start to target trout from the shore. The bite might be slow, but it will be getting better each week as we approach winter. Try using a Kastmaster fished near the surface to catch actively feeding fish. Also, floating a mallow/crawler combo off of the bottom will work and you might catch a hefty catfish in the process. 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: Done. We have not had any kokanee reports for awhile now. Typically this is when they start to move up river to spawn. We hope to see some of the kokanee up near the Parrots Ferry Bridge.

Bass: Good. The bass bite is still very good and many anglers are catching a bunch of fish on each outing. Most fish are in the 1 to 3-pound range and are extremely feisty. They are filling their bellies in preparation for the colder winter months. The fish are schooling up and feeding on balls of schooled shad. Once you find the bait the bass will be nearby. Try fishing many different locations until you find an actively feeding school. They can be there one day and gone the next. Most of the fish are suspended off of the bottom. Using baits that can be fished in the mid-water column will work best. Small swim baits are a good choice. You will be able to count the swim bait down to the desired depth and then retrieve slowly through the school of fish. Another way to target suspended fish is with a vertical presentation. Try using a jigging spoon fished directly under the boat. Free spool the spoon below the bait and rip it upward through the bait. Often times this will disturb the school of shad and that will get the attention of nearby bass. Also, a drop-shot rig lowered down to the fish will often coax some of the more finicky fish into biting. Try using small shad-shaped worms or 4" hand pours. Another trick is to nose hook in open water and Texas Rig if you are fishing near cover. A small dab of shad scent or spray will also help get a few more bites. PLEASE PRACTICE CATCH AND RELEASE. The bigger fish are the future of our lake. Take photos and carefully release the fish back into to the lake to maintain a healthy fish population for generations to come.

Nate Monroe and his family had a great day on the water. They caught a bunch of fish on a variety of baits. They kept these fish safe in the livewell and released them after taking an awesome family photo.

Catfish: Good. This is a great time of year to target catfish from the bank. They will move shallow throughout the day and night to feed primarily on other fish and crawdads. In years past, we have weighed in some giant fall cats, especially if we get a little rain. They will move into feeder creeks and feed on whatever washes into the lake. It is very important to use a sliding sinker or no weight at all. The fish will drop the bait if they feel any weight. It is a good idea to leave your bail open while waiting for them to bite. Let the fish run with the bait for a few seconds, then set the hook. For bigger cats try using a whole mackerel or sardine fished on a double hook rig. Many catfish will roam flats, points, and humps to feed. When choosing a location to fish, focus on flat dirt/rock areas near deep water. Catfish have very poor eyesight, so it is not a bad idea to add a little extra scent. Try using scents that match the natural forage in the lake. Shad, crawfish, rainbow trout and nightcrawler are good choices for a natural scent. Add them to your frozen bait a few days before your fishing trip to ensure the bait soaks up the scent.

Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week goes to Craig Smith of Orangevale. He caught a nice 13-pound, 11-ounce catfish in shallow water on a chunk of liver.

Crappie: Slow. We have had a few reports of some crappie being caught. Try using a live minnow fished under a slip-float.