New Melones Lake

I was in Angels Camp for a meeting.  The sun had just set but there was a little day light.  New Melones lake was flat calm.  Since I don't have legal running lights I decided to make a quick troll near the launch ramp along the shoreline.  As soon as I hit the water, I saw fish jumping.  I wasn't sure what they were so I put a small, light colored, Shad Rap medium diver to target about five feet below the surface.  I was trolling at about 1.2 mph and I got a nice hit.  Turned out to be a 15" trout.  Not bad for +/- 20 minutes fishing.

It was now dark so I headed headed back to the launch ramp.  There was a truck parked at the botton of the ramp with no lights on.  As I pulled into the dock, I was greeted and by a DFG warden.  She looked at my fish and my license from the ramp, congratulated me on the catch, and was on her way.

I talked with a bank angler who had a four pound rainbow that he caught in the same area.   

Cool report!  I love that lake just don't get to fish it as often as I'd like.  Where did you put in at, Glory Hole, or Angel's Cove?

My father was there Monday in the afternoon and caught squat, but then again, he wasn't in a kayak.  

Michael

we usually camp at silver spur every summer but never tried fishing that lake .  i guess i'm gonna have to

Glory Hole is my favorite spot to fish for trout too. Man I miss that place a lot. It
has been many years since I've been there. Thanks for the report Grumpy.

Jedmo

Nice catch Doug.  Good to see a game warden working late and doing his/her job!

Michael,

I put in at Glory Hole.  Glory Hole and Tuttletown are the only ramps open.  That was my first experience trolling under a full moon.  I may get running lights for the yak. 

Most of the campgrounds/day use areas are also closed.  The Glory Hole side of the lake has a major plumbing/wastewater treatment project in progress. 

The lake should "turn over" next week" which will open up the trout fishing from a Kayak. 

Hope we have winter NCKA trip this year. 

Doug

I was at Melonies Thurs the 3rd, had to fish the bank because of shoulder surgery. Saw a couple of trout swim right under my pole in about a foot of water, I think the lake has turned. We got a late start got there about 10am, no bites no fish, but a great day to be outa the house. going to try again next week ..

Craig,

Good luck with the shoulder.  My docs told me no more paddling after surgery in '07.  I now have two Hobies.  I have recently begun paddling again.  Post if you're going to Melones.  I hope to get up there a few times this winter.

WTG Doug!

New Melones will be on fire for trout fishing real soon.  January is really good there from a boat or the bank.   I've been going there the last two years with my girlfriend for New Years and have slayed em good. 

Melones is also a GREAT spotted bass fishery.   You can catch them all year, but you have to fish deep in the winter.  Like 40+ feet.  Summer time the bass fishing is good for numbers, and there are some giants in there.   

New Melones will be on fire for trout fishing real soon.

From what I understand, it already is.  Although I don't know firsthand, just what I've read.

Michael

From the reports, there are lots of 3+ lb trout being caught. I will be out on there on Sunday, hopefully trolling for ful limits, we will see!