ANGELS CAMP — Quality rainbow trout are still hanging around in the depths at New Melones with the water cooling from this recent weather change, and bass, catfish, and bluegill are all cooling off. But with warmer weather on the horizon, things should perk up for catfish during the November Glory Hole catfish derby.
Monte Smith of Gold Country Sportfishing fished the lake Thursday, and despite a late start, his clients landed 7 quality rainbows running his heavy custom spoons at depths from 48 to 60 feet. He said, “I prefer to fish at those depths. since you can actually locate the fish on the meter as opposed to when they will come up within 10 feet of the surface and we can’t see them on the meter. There is ton of shad in the lake, and there are still quality rainbows to be had.”
Gary Burns of Take It To the Limit Guide Service said, “The bite is still on for big ‘bows, and I am really surprised that there aren’t more boats on the water, as the lake has really produced some nice rainbow trout. You have to put your time on the water, and the bite seems to be different every day, as it is in the morning on some days and other days it is who knows when. There is not one top lure, with Speedy Shiners, Needlefish, and Excel lures in trout color patterns or blues at depths from 40 to 60 feet at a trolling speed of 1.8 mph.”
Gene Hildebrand of Glory Hole Sports in Angels Camp said, “Because of the cooler weather, we are noticing the trout are being caught higher up in the water column. Reports are the ‘bows are being caught around 20 feet in the marina area and from 40 to 70 feet upriver with limits. Jed Bender Jr. of Angels Camp went out with guide Gary Burns and he landed a 4-pound, 7-ounce rainbow trout near Coyote Creek with a Needlefish at 70 feet.”
For bass, Hildebrand reported a tough bass bite, but anglers should be prepared with different presentation, since fall can be a good time to use a jig when the bass are feeding on small baitfish and shad.
Catfish to 18 pounds have been brought into the shop with the majority in the 5- to 8-pound range. Glory Hole is holding their annual Catfish Derby from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30. The month-long event is limited to 50 entrants with sign ups beginning on Oct. 1. The lake is at 84 percent full.
