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Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 02/19/2008 10:46 AM Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 02/20/2008 08:15 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
:

New Melones Lake Fishing Report for 2/18/08~By Glory Hole Sports

Important- it is time to sign-up for Glory Hole Sports 10th Annual Fishing Seminar’s on-the-water fishing lessons! The seminar, held April 5th at the Calaveras Fairgrounds, promises to be a fun-filled and informative day. The on-the-water lessons are held on New Melones Lake by great guides and professional anglers. Hurry and call or stop by Glory Hole Sports (209) 736-4333 for more information, and to sign-up. Fishing Report enclosed....

Click on Photo for Full Slide Show


Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,513,882 acre-feet of water. The lake water level has been steady or risen for the past few weeks, and is at 1004 ft. above sea level and 84 ft. from full capacity. Water in the main lake is approximately 53-55 degrees. Water is very slightly stained in the creek channels, with around 12 ft. visibility. The main lake is gin clear, with approximately 15-20 ft. visibility. All ramps are in the water.

Due to rising water levels, BEWARE OF FLOATING DEBRIS IN THE LAKE!

Trout: Lots of brown trout! Most seem to be post-spawn (two weeks ago they were dropping eggs and milt), and are on the skinny side- normal for this time of year. We are seeing mostly planter rainbow caught, with a few holdovers showing up. Bank anglers should head to the major coves, such as Glory Hole or Angels Cove, or off of Glory Hole Point. The warmer weather seems to have chased the ‘bows into deeper water, so try fishing off a steep point in those areas. Use worms/marshmallows or chartreuse, pink or rainbow glitter Power Bait. Fishing off the bottom with an 18”-24” leader is preferable to fishing under a bobber. Be sure your bait floats off the bottom- use small hooks and light line, and inflate your worm with a worm inflator. The marshmallows work as a float, too. Trollers should concentrate on the main lake in the dam/spillway area, upriver near Horseshoe Bend and under the bridges, or in the mouths of major coves and creek arms such as Angels Cove, Glory Hole Cove, or Mormon Cove. Troll from the surface to 30 feet deep. Remember- when fish are shallow, it is important to use a side planer to get your lure away from your boat’s wake, or at least run a minimum of 100 feet of line behind out your boat. Successful trollers are not using dodgers or flashers. Trolling a nightcrawler in the creek arms has been working well for Frank Ambrosoli, who reports catching and releasing plenty of fish using this set-up. Joe Hallett used rainbow trout-patterned Needlefish trolled at the surface in Carson Cove to catch a nice limit of rainbows weighing up to 1½ pounds. Rolling shad has made many anglers happy this week, bringing plenty of browns to the boat. The Spro Shad Rig is an easy way to set up for rolling shad. Ben Griffith of Oakdale rolled shad 30 feet deep in Angels Cove to catch a 4-pound, 8-ounce brown trout that helped him win the Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest and a free deli lunch- congratulations on a beautiful fish, Ben! He also landed three rainbows. Jerry Parker of Turlock rolled shad 13 feet deep near the Parrotts Ferry Bridge, and caught a 3-pound, 5-ounce brown. A hot new lure that everyone has been asking for is the Trophy Stick. This beautiful bait is deadly when trolled with no additional attractors right now. Carl Dunbar of Carl and Jerry’s Hunting and Fishing Show used a Tasty Tui 4.5-inch Trophy Stick to land a nice brown. Vince Costa has been having luck with the 5.5-inch Rainbow Trophy Stick, trolled 60 feet deep near the dam. He landed two 20” brown trout, as well as a 28” brown that managed to flop off the boat and back in the water while Vince was measuring it.

Kokanee: Interestingly, we have been seeing a few kokanee of nice size being caught in approximately 15 feet of water by trollers. These fish are beautiful and great eating. They are running 14-15” long at the tail fork.

Bass: Slow. The bite is soft, and easy to miss, so pay attention! Bass are holding to points both upriver and in the main lake, especially the south side. Look for areas with structure both shallow and deep, so fish can more up and down to different depths. Bass are feeding on crawdads and sculpins, so baits in those colors are working. Try brown jigs, green pumpkin Brush Hogs, drop-shot or dart headed crawdad-colored worms and Senkos. Swimbaits continue to bring in the big monster bass, like the two caught and released by Tom Blue. He caught a 12.05-pound largemouth as well as a smaller 5-6-pounder, on a Huddleston swimbait while fishing with John Chiarpotti of Bassin’ 1A Guide Service. Please remember to practice catch-and-release. The Department of Fish and Game does not plant bass, so it is up to us to maintain the bass fishery!

Catfish: slow, which is normal this time of year. Use anchovies, mackerel, sardines, or a ball of nightcrawlers. Leave your bail open so the cats can pick the bait up and swim with it- you will be more likely to hook them that way. Also, be sure to use a sliding sinker weight. Glory Hole Sports Big Fish of the Week Contest (catfish) was won by Robert Camacho and Angel Delgado, who soaked mackerel 15 ft. deep while bank-fishing near Glory Hole, to land a 9-pound, 10ounce catfish.

Crappie and bluegill: Slow. Night fishing under a light is best. Crappie can be found hanging out in submerged trees, about 25’-35’ feet deep. Bear Creek, Mormon Creek and Carson Creek are all good bets. For crappie, try fishing live small or medium minnows, or crappie jigs with jigs in red/white, black/chartreuse or purple/white. Remember- 25 is the limit for crappie.
Melanie
Glory Hole Sports
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(209) 736-4333



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