Bass Fishing -- New Melones -- Thanksgiving Weekend -- General Info

Hey guys, I've been thinking it'd be pretty cool to hit new melones during thanksgiving weekend with my malibu xfactor. I have never been on the lake before and I'm having a bit of difficulty finding a good topo map of the lake -- was wondering where I could buy one.

I thought I'd camp out at the glory hole campground -- are there any other campsites around that might be better for whatsoever reason?

Is there a decent tackle shop close by or on the way from san diego that I might want to stop by to pick up some essentials or to get an update on the current conditions?

One thing about my yak -- I do not have a fishfinder on it. That's gonna hurt a bit, but I'm thinking that there are going to be a bunch of fish shallow. The water temps should be in the 58-65 range in a couple of weeks, no?

Last thing -- kinda wondering if any of you would be willing to suggest any general areas I would be able to launch out of and stay in. I'm also wondering about the wind -- if it gets bad, would I be better off launching somewhere in the river arm if that's possible? Is it easier to stay out of the wind in that area?

Thanks for any/all suggestions!!!

Gloryholesports.com
Has all the info you need. I'm not sure about the bass bite but the cats and trout have been hot.

http://gloryholesports.com

Here's your free topo: http://webapp.navionics.com/?lang=en
Select which Navionic software you want to try, then zoom-in on the lake or area. Take a screenshot and save as jpg. I'll put a sample screenshot below for reference.

The folks at glory hole sports are really helpful and give good advise.

Thanks guys, really appreciate it!!!

Are any of the campgrounds better for whatsoever reason --- any of them seem safer or cleaner than the others?

Gloryhole is where you want to camp if your set on fishing nm. Your only other option is Tuttle town but the water is so low there is no where to launch at tt.
 

Great, thanks, sonoramike.

Can you still launch around any of the bridges upriver or are those areas completely dry? The 49 bridge?

Way dry. At glory hole I launched off the old ramp a couple weeks ago. Drive down, follow the signs, but peel off to the right before you get to the dirt. There's a launch ramp there that is blocked off for boats but is easy to hand launch a kayak from. 

I caught about a dozen spotted bass there on my last trip but was mostly going for the scenic tour rather than fishing hard. I was mostly trolling shad raps off the rock banks.

Yes the tuolmne county side of the 49bridge. Is a free hand launch. The old hwy is blocked a couple hundred ft. From the water so bring your wheels.

Might be some trout wandering this late in the year.

Gloryholesports.com
Has all the info you need. I'm not sure about the bass bite but the cats and trout have been hot.

the guys and gals at gloryhole sports are great.  One of the staff members is a trophy bass chaser (he caught a 10 lb spot last year that was just shy of the state record).  They have a great tackle selection specific to the local lakes, and make a mean tri-tip sandwich.

Awesome, great. I'll definitely stop by the store for some info, tackle and food!

Actually, talking about food  -- is there a decent bar or restaurant around the lake where I might be able to watch some football/basketball in the evening, get some dinner or a couple of drinks?