Lake Conditions: I had the pleasure of guiding two very nice folks Mr and Mrs Jay on what turned out to be a picture perfect day. Daytime temps to 74 with minimal winds and very little boat traffic for the springtime on Melones. The water levels have been on the rise with the lake rising approximately 20ft and lake water temps dropping 10 degrees over the past week (we found 54-58). Lake visibility was not a factor with a clear view down 6-8ft. The only real concern moving around to different locations were the numerous floating trees and limbs.
How we caught them: We began our day at 0730 just outside the 5mph zone throwing senkos with a few bites but unable to boat any big ones. The bite was off with the fish almost wanting a deadstick approach. Throughout the day several different lures from shaky heads, dropshot, keitech swimbaits and senkos were used with no one consistent pattern. We were able to catch fish on all baits with most fish coming off of rocks outside bedding areas in 15-25 feet.
Tackle box Gear used: Finesse tackle equipment was used most of the day on both Dobyns DX743SF and DX746SF paired with Shimano 2500 symetre 2500, spooled with 20# braid to 7# fluorocarbon leader.
ProCast fishing Guide/Instructor John Loverin