Water Conditions: New Melones Lake is currently holding 1,598,375 acre-feet of water. The water level still rising with an additional 2 feet this week and is now 1013 ft. above sea level and 75 ft. from full capacity. Water temperature is about 52-54 degrees at the surface- warmer in the south side of the lake. Water is pretty clear- there is about a 10-12-foot visibility. With the rising water, there is about 20 feet of grass line underwater- this will be very beneficial for the spring spawn.
Bass: Still tough right now, especially with the still, clear weather we have had. Bass are very sluggish. Bite is soft, so pay attention, or you will miss the fish. Target submerged islands and points, and creek arms with steep walls, 25-40 feet deep. With the water clearing up, split-shot a smaller bait such as a leech or 4″ worm, in shad-imitation clear or translucent colors. Spooning and throwing heavy jigs will help you target deeper fish. Remember to practice catch and release. The Department of Fish and Game does not plant bass, so it is up to us to maintain our bass fishery. If you do decide to keep bass, please keep smaller spotted bass and turn the big largemouth loose.
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