The big swimbait bite has fully unlocked at New Melones. Water temps in the low 50s have trout active, and the bass are clearly keyed in. Mussel quarantine rules are still limiting boat pressure, and that’s been a good thing. Over the past month, there have been multiple legit double-digit fish reported, along with a steady run of 8–9 pounders, mostly on 7–9 inch trout-profile swimbaits. It’s a low bite deal… you might only get one or two chances all day… but they’re usually the fish of a lifetime. Other bass anglers are finessing with dropshots, Nekos, and Ned rig setups, pulling in better numbers, but obviously smaller fish.

Trout fishing is still good in the upper 20 feet, with Speedy Shiners and spoons getting bit. Some anglers are putting together quick limits when they stay on suspended schools.