Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 04/02/2012 04:51 PM
Updated by: John_Hamilton on 04/02/2012 05:38 PM
Expires: 01/01/2017 12:00 AM
:
New Melones Fishing Report for April 2nd~by Glory Hole Sports
Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,982,470 acre-feet of water. The lake level has been steady for the last three months and came up about a foot over the last two weeks. It is currently at 1051 ft. above sea level and 37 ft. from full. The water temperature is 53-58 degrees and clear with mud lines forming around the shore on windy days....
Nicholas Collins-Yarnell caught a nice limit of trout. He was trolling a Cripplure near the dam.
Trout: Fair. The bite has slowed down a bit, but we are still seeing some hefty trout being caught. The water temperature in the shallows is warming up faster than the main lake, pushing the trout out into deeper, cooler water. Bank anglers have had most of their success using bait. Power Bait has been the most productive bait throughout the winter and early spring. Rainbow/garlic has been the most popular color and scent, and has caught many of the weekly big fish. Some days different colors do work better. Also, it is a good idea to take a tub of night crawlers with you. They can be rigged by themselves, with a marshmallow, with Berkley Power Eggs, or fished on the back of a lure. Trolling anglers have been doing much better since the trout have moved off of the bank. Most anglers are using an assortment of colors and lures. A few of the popular ones includes, Apex, Needlefish, Wedding Rings, Rapalas, and Cripplures. Bright colors such as chartreuse, pink, and orange seem to be triggering more bites. They have been fishing from 5-45 feet deep, and catching them at depths in between. The dam/spillway area has is a good place to start, and is notorious for having bigger than average fish.
Kokanee: The season is right around the corner. Some anglers have caught a few here and there and we have had a couple reports of anglers catching a limit. Your best bet is to fish main lake near the dam. Try using a Glitter Bug pink Micro Hootchie with a small teardrop dodger. Be sure to add scent to your bait. In the past Nightcrawler is a good early season scent. Don't forget your corn.
Bass: Pretty good. We have Alabama rigs! The fish are starting to move shallow. The spotted bass are in the pre-spawn stage and being caught at 20-45 feet deep. The largemouth are being caught in wind protected coves and bays. Try using a Senko fished weightless on a wacky rig. Natural colored baits in green pumpkin and watermelon seem to be working well. With the water warming up, the fish will become more active. Try using reaction type baits such as, jerk baits, spinner baits, and crank baits. Remember to practice catch and release, especially largemouth bass as we are seeing fewer each year.
Catfish: Fair. The water temperature is rising so those big cats should start to move shallow. There has been a mud line that forms around the shore line of the lake. This water will be warmer than crystal clear water and is a good place to target catfish. There is a large amount of shad in the lake this year for those large cats to fatten up on. Try using frozen shad on a sliding sinker rig.
Crappie: This is prime time to target the crappie. Use Beetle Spins, Mini Jigs, and minnows in 15-25 feet of water. The fish will be staging for the spring spawn. Fish a slip float rig to adjust your depth. Target standing timber, willow tree's and water inlets. We have heard of a few nice one's being caught.
|
