Fishing at New Melones Lake
The waters of New Melones Lake are home to both bigmouth and smallmouth bass as well as brown and rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Other fish found in the lake include crappie, catfish, and bluegill. People fishing from the shore have been known to land rainbows and browns up to seven pounds. With the lake open to boaters at night, many fishermen spend warm summer nights pulling their limit from the lake with Nightcrawlers or minnows.
Where to Fish on New Melones Lake
As with many lakes, the creek channels and inlets make excellent fishing spots. The catfish are always hanging out there as are trout. From the bank anglers report good luck under the Highway 49 bridge and off the point at Glory Hole. Look for the brown trout hanging around steep drop offs, up at the heads of the arms, or near submerged logs.
Good catches have been made near the Angels Creek boat launch ramp. Crappies and bluegills are often hooked around Coyote Creek and in Bear Cove. Near the dam and also from Parrotts Ferry Bridge to Horseshoe bend are popular ranges for trollers.
| Species | Lbs.Oz | Date | Angler | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | 13.4 | 12-30-11 | Michael Oliveira | By Dam |
| Rainbow Trout |
14.4 | 1-25-18 | Chris Peterson | |
| Kokanee | 2.11 | 6-25-17 | Jimmy Velazquez | Rose Is. |
| Largemouth Bass | 18.11 | 2-6-10 | Kyle Gentry | Back of a Cut |
| Spotted Bass | 10.48 | 2-22-14 | Keith Bryan | |
| Catfish | 36 | 1994 | Dean Nelson | Near Glory Hole Ramp |
| Crappie | 3.47 | 11-15-19 | Josh Parris | Near spillway |
Which Baits and Lures Are Catching Fish at New Melones Lake?
Bass Fishing: Plastic Worms (brown, chartreuse, green, shad pattern), Zara Spooks, Rico, Spoons of various sizes, Spinnerbaits, Crank Baits. frogs, Senkos
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Best Bass Fishing Lures
Trout and Salmon: Power Bait, Rapalas, Nightcrawlers, Sparklefish, Minnow imitation lures, Hummdingers
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Trout Fishing Best Sellers
Crappie: Small Minnows
Catfish: Nightcrawlers, Mackerel, Mini-jigs, Chicken Livers, Crayfish, Minnows
Bluegill: Worms