Boating and Fishing

New Melones Lake


BOATING

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). Boaters can stay overnight, but must be off the water by the given timeframe to be resealed.

Seals are applied by staff at boat launches during the hours of operation. This seal program only works for New Melones Lake. New Melones Lake is not accepting 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. If you have a trailer, that trailer must not contact 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. Every Day
  • Angels Creek – Now closed.
  • Tuttletown – Now closed.

    • Clean, Drain, Dry - The Mussel Dogs of New Melones

    interactive image: photo of mussel sniffing dogTo safeguard New Melones Lake from invasive mussel infestations, the Bureau of Reclamation has partnered with Mussel Dogs, which employ canines specially trained to detect the quagga, zebra mussels, and their larva. This allows early detection prior to launch, protecting our water systems and way of life.

    The greatest threat to further spreading the mussel invasive to lakes, rivers, and other waters is the unintentional introduction by recreational boaters. Transferring a boat from infested water to uninfested water could spread the mussels. For more information, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/mussels/.


    BOATING ADVISORY:

    Boaters should be aware of submerged hazards on New Melones Lake, as lake conditions vary seasonally depending on weather and annual rainfall. For the most up-to-date lake condition information, check the California Department of Water Resources.

    Boaters must have the required California Boater Card, Vessel Registration, Mussel Fee Sticker, and safety equipment such as lifejackets, ski flag, fire extinguisher etc. as required by the U.S. Coast Guard and California Department of Boating and Waterways. For more information on boating laws and requirements, visit their website.


    Rentals and Slips

    New Melones Lake Marina is located at the Glory Hole Recreation Area outside of Angels Camp, CA. The marina offers several different options of vessels, watersports equipment, and boat slip rentals for your recreational needs. They also offer fuel and a convenience store so you can enjoy your time on the lake longer. For more information, visit their website.


    FISHING

    Something that New Melones Lake is renown for is its superb fishing. With up to 2.4 million acre-feet / 12,500 surface acres (5,058 ha) of water, and 100 miles (160 km) of shoreline there is plenty of room for recreational opportunity. Lake conditions sustain a variety of game fish to challenge anglers, some of these fish include:

    New Melones Lake Fish

    • Daily Fishing Limits - Fishing is open year round at New Melones Lake. Specific daily limits are determined by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and are adjusted annually to insure a sustainable population of each type of game fish. Copies of fishing regulations are available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

    • Fishing License Information - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife requires that all individuals 16 years of age and older must purchase an annual license before fishing in California. The penalty for fishing without a proper license can be costly, so keep your license up to date, with you, and displayed properly at all times when fishing at New Melones Lake. If you do not have a fishing license, you can purchase one at the New Melones Lake Marina, Glory Hole Station, Walmart, and other local businesses.

    • Fishing Tournaments- All fishing tournaments are currently cancelled to prevent the spread of the new invasive mussel species, the Golden Mussel, that was found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Typically, a wide variety of special events are hosted that provide fun and challenges for anglers of all ages and skill levels.
    • Fishing Guides- There are many fishing guides that utilize New Melones Lake through Special Use Permits, these guides can be great resources for first time fishermen looking to learn about the lake. Any fishing guides wanting to work on the lake, please contact our administration building to receive a California Fish and Wildlife Special Use Permit for your business.

    For the most up-to-date lake condition information, check the California Department of Water Resources.

    Last Update 3/5/20