New Melones Lake level is currently at 1031.90 Water temperature across the lake is steadily dropping with the cooler weather currently at 71d. Tuttletown's boat launch ramp will be changing to the middle ramp as the top ramp goes out of the water at 1031.00 elevation. The middle ramp will be used for elevations from 1036.00-942.00. Glory Hole Point side of the lake has the high ramp working till lake elevation hits approx.1025.00 and at that point the middle ramp will be in use from ele. 1028.00 to 940.00. Another 9.25 ft. will have to be drawn from Melones before the middle ramp comes into use. Angels Cove ramp is in use from ele.1088.00 - 975.00.

The Fall / Winter turnover on the lake has begun with cooler weather temperatures dropping lake surface temps.

We like to promote catch and release on New Melones. If you do so, provide us a picture and bring it in for a copy or email it to us at gloryholesports@yahoo.com so we can put it on the board or in the newsletter.

Anglers FYI: For anyone with a potential lake record please call us at the store and hopefully we can send someone to weigh, photograph and measure the catch at the lake. GHS is the unofficial recorder of lake records for New Melones, and we understand there is sometimes conflicting interest in the welfare of the catch, whether or not to release the potential record, sacrificing your place as a record holder for the lake.

We do promote catch and release. For potential lake records, record the statistics of the fish... length, girth, weight and photographed at the lake before releasing her. If indeed we can verify the information that is provided, such as a witness, comparing the scale used with ours, a photograph with the fish hanging from the scale and can see the scale weight, etc...then we can accept this as proof. If your catch has expired than indeed bring it in to GHS so we can record it here, and you can have it mounted!

TROUT

Scott McCarthy of Sonora hooked onto this nice Rainbow Trout on Melones, Oct. 1st. McCarthy landed the beauty at 9 am, at a 50 ft. depth trolling an Excel lure. No dodger or flasher.

BASS

With an end to the busy summer recreational boaters bring good news to anglers coming to fish Bass on New Melones Lake. Shad patterned swimbaits and fall weather go hand in hand, so be prepared. Plastic flukes should also be rigged and ready. Bill Lewellen and myself were on Melones this last weekend, hooking up on the bass using jigs and Zoom Ultravibe Speed Worm/Green Pumpkin fishing rocky structure.

CATFISH

There have been several anglers pre fishing for the Catfish Contest telling tales of breaking lines while trying to land the big Cats on the lake. Make sure your spooled up with some fresh line, min. 10 lb. to 30 lb. test. Debbie Shaw of Sonora found the bite to be the best doing some early morning angling,4:30 am landing this 7lb. 4oz. Cat. She was using Anchovies with bloody tuna/ garlic stink bait.

CRAPPIE

Slow but not at a standstill. Anglers reporting landing Crappie in the marina cove.