New Melones Reservoir Fish Report

New Melones Reservoir - Angels Camp, CA


by Nor Cal Fish Reports
4-11-2013
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Surface temperatures range 54-56 degrees and some parts of the lake 58-62 degrees in the afternoon. The lake is clear, to slightly stained with some debris floating on the surface. Trout fishing is good. Most anglers targeting trout are catching limits of rainbows along with some very nice brown trout. Trolling anglers try fishing the main lake over the river channel or near the dam/spillway. For rainbows use Uncle Larry's Spinners and Wedding Rings tipped with a chunk of crawler. Or, thread a nightcrawler onto a straight shank hook and troll it behind a string of flashers. A good rule of thumb is bright skies, bright lures, dark skies, dark lures. Rolling shad from 30-50' continues to be productive for some lunker browns. There have been a lot of limits of kokanee showing up. The fish are schooled up in 40-50 feet. Most of the fish are a good size for this time of the year 13-14" and very chunky. Try fishing the main lake with a finesse trolling setup. A Glitterbugs pink Micro Hoochie or an Anglers Market Kokanee Bites trolled behind a small tear drop dodger is great way to get a limit. Pink, watermelon, and silver have been good color choices for dodgers.  Another lure that produces a lot of kok's and some large trout every year is an Apex. Big bass are still showing up and more of the smaller easy to catch fish,     too.  The giant fish are being caught on mainly jigs, worms, and swim baits. Try fishing creek channels, flats, coves, and pockets where fish will be spawning.  It is a good time to use soft plastics such as Senkos, Brush Hogs, and lizards. These baits will catch their fair share of fish and will also produce an occasional lunker fish.  Top water season is right around the corner. It wouldn't be a bad idea to throw a Super Spook or a popper in the morning.

Glory Hole Sports  (209) 736-4333







4-4-2013
Three big fish of note were caught last week. Bill Rutherford of Plymouth caught an 8.25 pound brown from the...... Read More