Trout Fishing Has Improved at Lake Melones

Thanks to heavier winter trout stockings by the California Department of Fish and Game, trout fishing has improved at Lake Melones.

Rainbow trout are hanging in near the shoreline in shallow water. Anglers are doing well on PowerBait (chartreuse or rainbow glitter) and worm-marshmallow combos (floated off bottom using a 18-24 inch leader). Angel's Cove and Glory Hole Point are current hot spots.

Trollers should concentrate on the main lake in the dam/spillway area, or in the mouths of major coves such as Angels Cove, Glory Hole Cove, or Mormon Cove. Trout are being found fairly shallow (up to 15 feet deep). Anglers having the best luck are using shad-patterned lures such as Apex, Needlefish or Rapala Countdowns, and they are not using dodgers or flashers.

North Shore Anglers at Lake Camanche are also reporting good success with PowerBait and Kastmaster lures. This week's trout plant of 1,200 pounds will be split between the South Shore Pond and South Shore launch ramp.