Tyler:
I'm thinking about going out to New Melones to hunt for Kokanee. Anyone have experience on what part of the lake to shore fish and what gear to use? All my rods, besides my fly gear, are too heavy, wouldn't make the occasional rainbow much fun. So I was thinking about trying to cast a hoochie like a streamer or something I could return from one of my lighter fly rods. Is there room to fly cast? Is that a ridiculous idea? Should I find a bass rod with a casting or spinning reel? LMK! Thanks!
JoeDubC:
You could troll a hoochie with a dodger off your fly rod. They might be near the surface this time of year. Trout might be more likely. If no weight, probably let out 70' - 100' of line. If sinking line then maybe 60'-80' of line out? Depends on sink type, etc.. Most people target Kokanee deeper but occasionally they are shallow.
AlsHobieOutback:
I recall in the past no kokane at the surface there until May, remember trying Memorial Day weekend, but I haven't tried in a very long time. It's a big lake to chase kokes in a kayak, if you can get intel on where they might be and make a targeted outing it's worth a shot. Plus, you can always catch trout and brown trout there too. I would be prepared to downrigger though it's a deep lake and if you spot them on you FF you want to easily make the depth.
canadianjerkey:
+1 for needing to get deep. With colder water temps sometimes kokes will be closer to the surface but this time of year they're still scattered and as mentioned, it's a big lake. Most reports I've seen have been folks catching rainbows around 25' down.
I had luck launching out of Mark Twain and heading up towards the Parrotts Ferry bridge for rainbows. I think most of the big boats are going up and trolling the canyons right now but it was further than I had time to pedal.
Last year the kokanee stayed deep, no idea about this year though. In previous years I've had luck at the Carson Creek mouth and in the scattered coves south of Tuttletown.
Tsuri:
--- Quote from: Tyler on March 06, 2025, 03:13:15 PM ---Anyone have experience on what part of the lake to shore fish and what gear to use? Is there room to fly cast?
--- End quote ---
You guys all missed the part about "to shore fish" unless your thinking he should cast a dodger set up on a fly rod from shore? :smt044
That's Fishingrod's area he lives up that way, perhaps he will chime in with some tips? I'm interested in knowing the basic shore spots there as well.