NEW MELONES - Trout Derby - 12/8/07 (MBF)

I am bringing some "man dogs" and a minikeg for the weigh in.  Will need a head count as we get closer. Can also bring an extra yak if anyone wants to bring a newbie.

scott

Dilbeck thats very kind of you and yes I will not forget my radio this time.

Pat R

I’m a NuB at this but count me in.  Great way to learn and meet some NCKArs.

If the ducks continue to line up, me and Lil Camp #1 will make the trek provided a tandem is OK to use. They say the bite should be great just about that time.

Looking forward to catching some nice fish, but I still need a few things to fall in place. Put us down for a "maybe".

And we'll most likely just drive up in the morning.

Camp

  I'm going to try and make it up this weekend, and do a little pre-fishing. Check out a couple of spots. I'm sure the lake hasn't turned over, so a little scout'n is a must. As were meeting at glory hole boat ramp, I'll hit that area first.

Company's always welcome. ch 69

Craigh

If the fish gods smile upon us we may very well hit it the week that the lake turns over. If that is the case spooning will yeld some monster trout and bass. When the lake inverts a lot of shad die and flutter down. Good luck this weekend.

-Brian G

DFG is scheduled to plant trout the week of Dec 2.

Anyone got info on economy accommodations for the area?  Something under $100, preferably in the 60 to 80 range but not roachy. I don't want to get

Thanks

http://www.gocalaveras.com/htdocs/stay/angelscamp.htm

Angels Camp is about 10 minutes from the launch at most.

-Brian G

Here is a link to Glory Hole Sports' fishing report for New Melones: http://www.gloryholesports.com/latest_fishing_report.htm

I was doing some research on nearby accomodations last night and found some good stuff. Although, my better-half still hasn't decided if she wants to tag along. If she does not, I will most likely camp at Ironhorse Campground at the Glory Hole Rec Area. Here's the lowdown on camping at Melones: http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/field_offices/new_melones/camping.html

I already checked reserveusa.com and there are no open sites in Big Oak Campground. Unfortunate because it looks like you would be able to put-in there and paddle over to the Tourney meeting place. Granted, you could also paddle over there from Ironhorse but it would be a little further. It looked like the best-available site (as of last night) was number 22. Although, I have not been there so maybe it isn't the best available.

Where are we meeting up at? The main Glory Hole Point Launch Ramp? http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/field_offices/new_melones/maps/map_glory_hole_rec_area.pdf
Sorry if this has already been covered. I'll go back and re-read Brian's post.


Best-case scenario I take Friday off work, drive up there Thursday night, and grab a good campsite. In which case, anybody and everybody is welcome to join me. I'm also down to split a room if somebody finds a roof to sleep under...because then I wouldn't have to bring all my camping crap with me.
PK

because then I wouldn't have to bring all my camping crap with me.

Great point!  I wasn't so worried about the camping as I was the possible temperature, but now that I think about it, I don't know that I want to drag all my camping stuff out as well as have to put it away on Sunday.  Will probably be sleeping on mommy's couch.   

Brian, I'm not wellversed in spooning.  Do you just mean jigging a spoon up and down the water column.  Pardon my ignorance.

Michael

http://www.fishsniffer.com/cmyer/070802jigging.html

That article talks about spooning for kokes but the same technique works for trout. I typically spoon over 50 -60 ft of water and work 10 - 35ft in the fall.

Summer I have caught fish spooning a deep as 60 ft but never much past that. You really want a nice flutter to your spoon.

-Brian G

I typically spoon over 50 -60 ft of water and work 10 - 35ft in the fall.

So is that the depth of the water, the depth that your working the spoon, or possibly both - depending on the situation?

Also, are you on the move until you find a school of fish and then drop down the spoon or are you just continuously jigging and waiting for fish to find you?  I'm thinking that trolling until you find a school and then spooning might be the best of both worlds.

Finally, do you prefer lighter spoons like Needlefish or heavier spoons such as Krocodiles?

I'm curious in general, not necessarily seeking out info for the tourney.  I just love trout fishing and if I can add another bow to the quiver, it makes me that much more well-rounded.

Turns out I might not be able to make it afterall - the wife's holiday party is that night  .

Great article by the way, thanks for the link.

Michael

Needlefish are too light iIMO to be used for verticle jigging. They are better as a trolling lure. I use kastmasters, croc spoons and swim baits. For macs hopkins lures are effective.

I try to drift over 50 - 60 ft of water and work my spoon in the 10 - 35ft range. The fish are typically scattered so finding a school would be rare. A good fish finder will help determine the depth to work your spoon. I My preference is for small hopkins or crippled herring. They seem to have the best action for trout spooning.

-Brian G