At Northern California lakes like New Melones, catfish bite best after dark. By day, anglers are pulling full limits of fat, healthy 15 to 17 inch trout, with a few catfish mixed in. Once the sun drops, the catfish bite turns on and gets even better, with some really nice fish coming out at night. If you are already on the water for trout, do not be afraid to stay after dark and target catfish.
When is the best time to catch catfish at NorCal lakes?
After dark. Reports from New Melones say the daytime gives up a few catfish mixed in with the trout, but the nighttime catfish bite has been even better, with some really nice fish coming out once the sun is down.
Are catfish biting at New Melones?
Yes. Alongside full trout limits during the day, anglers are picking up a few catfish, and the after-dark catfish bite has been strong. Some really nice catfish have been landed at night on recent trips.
What are anglers catching at New Melones right now?
Full trout limits of fat, healthy fish running 15 to 17 inches, with some really nice trout in the mix. Catfish show up in the daytime catch and get noticeably more active after dark.
Should I fish for catfish at night?
Do not be afraid to try it. Guides on New Melones report the night catfish bite outproducing the day, so it is worth staying on the water after the trout bite winds down.
Is New Melones a good day-and-night lake?
Yes. Right now it fishes as a day-and-night lake. Trout by day to fill limits, and catfish by night once the sun drops. That mix makes for a long, productive day on the water.
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Night catfish fishing at norcal lakes FAQ
After dark. The night bite has been outproducing the day at New Melones.
Yes. New Melones is giving up trout limits by day and catfish by night, with a few catfish even mixing into the daytime trout catch.
Fat, healthy fish in the 15 to 17 inch range, with some really nice ones mixed in.
Very. Recent reports describe full limits pretty much every trip during this stretch.
Yes. The guides say do not be afraid to try the after-dark bite. It has been even better than the daytime.
Yes. Some really nice catfish have been coming out, especially at night.
