All systems go at New Melones

New Melones Reservoir - Angels Camp, CA


by Glory Hole Sports
5-20-2015

The water temperature has warmed, with the average being 66-72 degrees. Glory Hole Point boat launch is a two lane dirt road leading off of the end of the point. There is not a courtesy dock and 4-wheel drive is recommended. Trout: Good. The trout bite continues to be productive with many anglers catching limits. The main lake has been a good spot to search for actively feeding fish. With the weather remaining fairly cool, the trout can be found near the surface and down deep. Trolling anglers have been targeting fish near the surface by running a shad patterned plug on a top-line and fishing 150-200' behind the boat. This setup work well in low light conditions and can be used in the mornings and on cloudy days. Once the sun comes up try switching to baits fished on a downrigger. Many anglers have found luck using trolling spoons and others are doing well on spinners. If the water is a little stained in the area you have chosen to fish, try using a spinner with a gold Colorado blade. The gold has a higher reflective quality than silver, and a Colorado blade will produce more sound and vibration than a willow blade. It is also a good idea to tip your presentation with a chunk of crawler. Night anglers are starting to catch some fish under a submersible light. Kokanee: Good. The kokanee bite continues to improve each week. We are seeing some healthy, fat kokanee being caught and can anticipate them growing to a very respectable size by mid-summer. Most anglers are finding luck fishing the main lake near the dam and the spillway. Pink, orange and chartreuse have been good color choices for both dodgers and lures. A small tear drop dodger with a micro hoochie has always been a go-to setup on New Melones. Bass: Fair. The bass have completed their annually spawn and are moving from shallow water out toward deeper water for the summer. During this post-spawn stage the bass tend to feed heavily to try to recuperate from the stress of spawning. Early morning they will chase shad and cruise the shoreline looking for baby bass and sunfish. This is a good time to be tossing reaction baits and top water. Once the sun comes up it is best to move out to deep water structure. Chatterbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits have been working well. Catfish: Very Good. Some really big cats are up in shallow water feeding and spawning. We have had reports of giant fish seen cruising the shoreline and have had tales of unstoppable fish breaking heavy line. Crappie: Good. The crappie will be holding in the standing timber that lines the lake. The best way to catch crappie is with live minnows. Try using a small minnow fished under a slip-float or casting a Beetle Spin into the brush. A few anglers are dropping submersible lights and catching a bunch of crappie doing so. Glory Hole Sports (209) 736-4333


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Everything biting at New Melones
New Melones Reservoir
5-13-2015
Trout: Good. The trout fishing has been good for a few weeks now. Anglers targeting trout are catching limits of chunky rainbows. There are still some fish holding near the top of the water column, but many fish have moved to deeper/cooler water. In the morning and evenings try fishing near the surface and during the day drop down to deeper water. Trolling anglers have been having luck trolling spoons in the main lake...... Read More