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New Melones Reservoir

One of the “lures” of New Melones Lake is its superb fishing. Water conditions sustain a variety of game fish to challenge anglers throughout the year.  New Melones holds a large population of Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Kokanee Salmon.  New Melones has an abundance of timber and brush cover throughout the lake. There are Numerous Fishing Tournaments and Derbies held at New Melones every year.  If you're looking for a great fishing experience, New Melones is the place for you.  Many Largemouth Bass exceeding 10 lbs have been caught at New Melones along with many Rainbow & Brown Trout also exceeding 10 lbs.  In the winter months, fishing for Bass can be a little tricky.  Try throwing Swimbaits for larger fish on the main lake points.  You can throw Spinnerbaits, Jigs, and a variety of plastic baits to entice the Bass into bighting.  Fishing  for Trout in the Winter is a great idea as the trout bite can be outstanding.

Shore anglers toss out inflated nightcrawlers and Powerbait to catch their fish, while trollers will troll Rapalas in shad colors to entice their fish.  Try throwing a Spook in the Spring and Summer time at Melones, many big Bass have been caught this way.  For Summertime Trout, try trolling in the main lake anywhere from 50 - 100 feet deep.  Kokanee Salmon can be caught by trollers during the Summer months.  Try Rose Island, the Highway 49 bridge, an the Spillway area for Kokanee, depths can be anywhere from 20 feet to 100 feet, check your fishfinder and when you find the right depth, you will get into some of California's best kokanee fishing. Shore access is available throughout the lake.  There are two launch ramps available at Melones, one at the Tuttletown Recreation Area, and another at the Glory Hole Recreation Area.  There is no charge for fishing at New Melones, and boat launching & parking is also free.


The California Fish and Game Commission 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 any body of water. 

For more information, you can contact the Bureau Of Reclamation at (209) 536-9094

New Melones Reservoir Camping

The Glory Hole Recreation Area has two campgrounds.  The Ironhorse Campground and the Big Oak Campground.  There are a total of 144 campsites in the Glory Hole Recreaction area, along with three, day use areas, which include barbecue grills, picnic tables, running water and restrooms.  Campgrounds include bathrooms w/ showers, barbecue and fire ring, fish cleaning station, telephones, watertaps, and a free launch ramp.

The Tuttletown Recreation Area has two campgrounds.  The Manzanita Campground and the Chamise Campground.  There are a total of  106 campsites in the Tuttletown Recreation Area.  There are two group areas in the Manzanita Campground, Oak Knoll with 10 sites, and Fiddleneck with 6 sites. These are they only sites at New Melones that reservations are accepted. Also, there are two day use areas which include barbecue grills, picnic tables, running water and restrooms.  Campgrounds include bathrooms w/ showers, barbecue and fire ring, fish cleaning station, telephones, watertaps, and a free launch ramp.

Two vehicles and 8 people allowed for each standard site. 1 vehicle and 4 people allowed for each walk-to site. No extra vehicles allowed. All vehicles must park on parking pads. Total vehicle length must not exceed driveway length.

No trailers of any kind, boats, RV's, or motorhomes are allowed in the Chamise campground due to limited parking and short turnarounds.

There are no hookups at any of these campgrounds.  For more information, you can call (209) 536-9094

Camping
  • Family Standard Single - $16.00 per night
  • Family Tent Single - $16.00 per night
  • Family Tent Walk In Single - $12.00 per night
  • Group Picnic Day Use - $75.00


Fish'n Dan's Guide Service
209 586-2383
Landlocked King Salmon
Kokanee Salmon
Rainbow & Brown Trout
Melones, Don Pedro, McClure, Tulloch