New Melones Anglers Report

7/16/2019

by Gene Hildebrand, Glory Hole Sports

New Melones Reservoir's current lake level is 1069.95 and 16.35 ft. The lake topped off this year June 24th with a lake elevation of 1072.40. The last time Melones had reached this current elevation was in August of 2011. Water temps are hovering between 75-80 degrees, shoreline has a mudline of water stretching out 50 or more ft. during busy boating times. Water clarity is stained,6-10 ft.The Tuttletown, Glory Hole Point and Angels Cove ramps are all operational.

TROUT 

This time of year Speedy Shiners, Needlefish, Tazmanian Devils, Apex trout lures are whats attracting the large trout in Melones, but with the Kokanee frenzy going on, trolling anglers are more targeting the Koks and occasionally hooking up with one of the larger trout in the lake on a Hoochie. Bank fishing for trout can be challenging but work the Angel Creek area where the water feeds into the lake. Anglers are using Night crawlers, Kastmasters, and Goldfish lures.

KOKANEE

"Kokanee Power" held a Derby on Saturday, July 13th and was reported to be a great success by pro-angler Gary Coe. Posted results for first place winner was Rick and Justin Fried with 6.18 lbs. on three fish. Bone Collector Lynn Winchester of Lockeford brought in a limit of some really nice Kokanee, largest weighing in at 2.0 lbs. She was trolling near the dam using her fave, Cal Trans colored lure.

BASS

Josh Parris Guide Service

Summer is here and New Melones is fishing great. The bass have are feeding heavily and often on Shad, blue gill, crawfish and other smaller bass. For targeting the fish on Shad I've been focusing on main points adjacent pockets and throwing Shad imitations like a rigs, under spins, crank baits and topwater. The fish that are chasing crawfish are near rock and creek beds the jig and shaky heads are most productive. The bluegill and baby bass pattern has slowed recently but we are still finding a few fish on Swimbaits and gill colored topwaters. With the water levels dropping top water can be day to day, slower on days after the drop. There are still plenty of fish in the 0-20' range moving up in the morning and back out as the sun gets higher in the sky. Keep a constant eye out for surface activity, there are good schools of fish pushing bait throughout the day.

CRAPPIE

Chris and Barbara Mann caught some really nice Crappie near Angels Creek fishing late nite/early morning in 20-30 ft. of water using minnows and crappie jigs.