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 an approved wire and seal (red in color) 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 whatever day they desire 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 boaters must be off the water by the given timeframe to be resealed.

This seal program only works for New Melones Lake. New Melones Lake is not accepting or sealing for other lakes at this time.

Hand-launch vessels such as kayaks and paddleboards do not need to participate in the banding process as long as they are hand operated or use an electric trolling motor. No gas-powered motors allowed.

Current launch hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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?

  • Campground: Chamise; Ironhorse,sites 45-59 and 80-89 (closed for repairs)
  • Boat launches: Tuttletown,and Angels Creek
  • Glory Hole dump station
  • Glory Hole and Tuttletown fish cleaning stations

What’s Open?

  • The Administrative office is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for pass sales and information. For assistance, please Contact Us: New Melones
  • The Visitor Center and Museum are open Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Entrance gate to Glory Hole and Tuttletown recreation areas remain open daily from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Glory Hole and Tuttletown Day Use Areas. Mark Twain day-use area closes at 7p.m.
  • Tuttletown dump station
  • Trails: All hiking trails including Natural Bridges
  • Boat launches: Glory Hole Point
  • New Melones Lake Marina
  • Special Use activities including equestrian events, houseboat launching, etc. For information on these events, please contact Park Ranger Eric Johnson at ejohnson@usbr.gov.
  • If you have any additional questions, contact New Melones staff here: New Melones.

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

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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: 4/29/25