Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 01/24/2011 06:33 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 01/24/2011 11:49 PM
Expires: 01/01/2016 12:00 AM
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New Melones Fishing Report for January 24, 2011~by Glory Hole Sports
New Melones, CA....Fishing has been tough this past week, with the calm, clear weather making it hard to get a reaction bite out of the bass, and the full moon giving the trout an opportunity to feed all night. But it has been beautiful out on the lake anyway. The lake level continues to rise- we are looking good for water this year! Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,575,189 acre-feet of water. The water level still rising with an additional 3 feet this week and is now 1011 ft. above sea level and 77 ft. from full capacity. Water temperature is about 52-54 degrees at the surface- warmer in the south side of the lake. Water is pretty clear- there is about a 10-12-foot visibility......
9-year-old Evan Sergis of Morada caught 5 trout on crawlers while still-fishing from his boat.
Trout: If bank fishing or still fishing from your boat, be sure to use a longer leader and bait that floats such as Berkley Select scented Power Bait, Power Eggs, or a crawler/marshmallow combo, to get your bait above the flooded grass. Check your bait in shallow water to be sure it is buoyant before you toss it out. Too heavy of leader or too big of a hook will cause your bait to sink, and you won't get bit. Good spots to bank fish from are under the Highway 49 Stevenot Bridge and Glory Hole Point. Try still-fishing from your boat- nose into areas with running water to tor target opportunistic trout feeding of insects that wash down
Trollers should tie on lures in colors such as shad or rainbow trout patterns. Broken-back or Countdown Rapalas seem to be producing the most fish for trollers. Arctic Fox flies behind a wiggle disc are also working well. Trollers should target major coves and creek arms in the top 15 feet of water over deeper water for rainbows, and 15-25 feet deep for big brown trout. Remember- it is very important at this time of year to have plenty of line out when trout are right at the surface, so your lure is away from your boat's chop. 80-100 feet is optimal.
Participants in the Annual Trout Bout Derby experienced tough fishing, due to last weekend's full moon (trout feed all night during a full moon, and the daytime bite tends to be slow). First place was won with 7.27-pounds.
Eddie Maple of Lodi landed a 4.26-pound brown trout while trolling 19 feet deep with a blue J-9 Broken-back Rapala in Coyote Creek. He wins Glory Hole sports Big Fish of the Week Contest. It's time to target trophy brown trout- this is the time of year that brown trout are caught regularly. January and February are the hottest months for browns, and most are caught while in the mouths of major creek arms. The New Melones Lake record was caught last February by Jim Harlan, who trolled a firetiger Rapala 31 feet deep by the dam to catch a beautiful brown weighing over 13 pounds. This brown is now on display at Glory Hole Sports. Remember that browns are not pelagic like rainbows, but hold tight to structure, especially near steep drop-offs, where they lie in wait, ready to ambush prey (or your lure!). Most anglers who target big browns troll right next to submerged trees and rocky outcroppings, and are willing to lose some tackle. Use large rainbow trout, shad or firetiger patterned Rapala, Lucky Craft, or Trophy Stick Lures, or roll shad.
Kokanee: Done for the season, although we are seeing the occasional small kokanee caught.
Bass: Still tough right now, especially with the still, clear weather we have had. Bass are hugging the bottom so tight you can't graph them, and are very sluggish. Bite is soft, so pay attention, or you will miss the fish. Target submerged islands and points, and creek arms with steep walls, 25-40 feet deep. With the water clearing up, split-shot a smaller bait such as a leech or 4" worm, in shad-imitation clear or translucent colors. Spooning and throwing heavy jigs will help you target deeper fish. Remember to practice catch and release. The Department of Fish and Game does not plant bass, so it is up to us to maintain our bass fishery. If you do decide to keep bass, please keep smaller spotted bass and turn the big largemouth loose.
Catfish: The catfish action seems to have finally slowed. For best success, fish the creek arms where big cats are actively feeding on anything that washes into the lake.
Crappie and bluegill: fair to slow. Target water running into the lake, such as waterfalls and other run-off areas, especially near structure. Bear Cove and Coyote Creek are usually great spots this time of year. Use red and white crappie jigs or small or medium minnows.
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