New Melones

New Melones Lake

UPDATES:

New Melones Lake is open to boat launching, but currently under restriction.

The Bureau of Reclamation requires that all boats launching at New Melones Lake participate in a seal program to prevent the spread of the new invasive mussel species, the Golden Mussel, that was found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Any boats wishing to launch at New Melones must be left out of the water for 30 days with a documented wire and Red seal attached through the bow eye of their boat and wrapped around their trailer, effectively tying the two together. After 30 days, the boater can return, have their wire/seal cut, and launch. Upon exiting the water, the boat and trailer will once again be banded together, but with a Green seal and wire. This marks the end of their 30-days, and that they can return any day during the hours listed. The seal/wire must remain intact to launch (a New Melones staff member must cut the seal/wire allowing the boater to launch), and any boats found with tampered seals must restart their 30-days. Boaters can stay overnight, but must be off the water by the given time frame to be resealed.

Valid seals are applied by staff at open boat launches during the hours of operation. This seal program only works for New Melones Lake. New Melones Lake is not accepting other seals or sealing for other lakes currently.

Hand-launch vessels such as kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, etc. do not need to participate in the banding process if they are hand operated or use an electric trolling motor. No gas-powered motors allowed. For hand-launch vessels with trailers, the trailer cannot touch the water.

New Melones Lake Marina is decontaminating boats for same day access at a fee. Find more information and make an appointment on their decontamination website.

Current launch hours:

  • Glory Hole Point – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday and Federal Holidays.
  • Tuttletown – 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday and Federal Holidays.

    • Reservoir Conditions

    Lake conditions vary seasonally at New Melones Lake depending on weather and annual rainfall. Visit the following link for the most up-to-date lake condition information, California Data Exchange Resources, Water Resources

    What’s Closed?

    • The Visitor Center and Museum is currently closed. If you want to volunteer with us, contact our volunteer coordinator at psanders@usbr.gov.
    • Campgrounds: Chamise and Manzanita; Ironhorse sites 45-59 and 80-89 (closed for repairs)
    • Boat launches: Angels Creek
    • Glory Hole dump station
    • Glory Hole and Tuttletown fish cleaning stations

    What's Open?

    • The Administrative office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for pass sales and information. For assistance, please Contact Us: New Melones
    • Entrance gates to Glory Hole and Tuttletown recreation areas remain open daily from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Glory Hole and Tuttletown Day Use Areas. Mark Twain day-use area closes at 7 p.m.
    • Tuttletown dump station
    • Trails: All hiking trails including Natural Bridges
    • Campgrounds: Acorn; Ironhorse and Big Oak
    • Boat launches: Glory Hole Point; Tuttletown (Friday through Sunday and Federal Holidays)
    • New Melones Lake Marina
    • Special Use activities including equestrian events, houseboat launching, etc.

          • If you have any additional questions, contact New Melones staff here: New Melones.

        Please keep New Melones beautiful by following these minimum impact practices:

        leave no trace thumbnail
        Download PDF Version: English | Spanish

        Help Us Protect Our Historic Resources

        Visitors are asked to help protect historic resources by not handling, removing or destroying any artifacts or ruins along the lake bed. These sites and artifacts are protected by federal and state laws that prohibit disturbing the sites in any way. In addition, the use of metal detectors is not allowed on Reclamation lands per 43 CFR 423.29(f). Please report the finding or destruction/removal of any ruins or artifacts to the New Melones Administration Office contact New Melones staff here or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

        Recreational Interests

      • New Melones Lake & Recreation Brochure (PDF - 5.7MB)
      • Hunting areas (Map)
      • Recreation Activities/Interpretive Program Announcements

        • Reservations and Recreational Information

      • Glory Hole Recreation Area
      • Tuttletown Recreation Area
      • REA Fee Program
      • Invasive Quagga and Zebra Mussels
      • Fish Species at New Melones Lake

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        Last Updated: 5/16/25