New Melones Lake is located in Calaveras County approx. 10 miles west of Sonora, CA. From I-5 at Stockton, take hwy 4 east to hwy. 49 south. Pass the city of Angel Camp and Carson Hill to New Melones Lake.

General Info:

    New Melones Lake consists of 12,500 acres and over 100 miles of shoreline set at an elevation of 1,088 feet. It is the fourth largest man-made lake in California. There are several campgrounds located around the lake offering both RV and tent camping. Water skiing is permitted. New Melones Visitor's Center (209) 536-9094.

• Glory Hole Recreation Area - Marina, launch ramp.
• Tuttletown Recreation Area - Campground, launch ramp.

Boating Info:

    There are several boating facilities here and rental boats are available. Marina: (209) 785-3300

Fishing Info:

    There are kokanee salmon, rainbow and brown trout, small and largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. The lake receives DFW trout plants in the winter and spring months. Night fishing is permitted. Be sure to visit the CDFW web site for complete regulations before heading out.

Lake records:

• Brown Trout: 12.7 pounds, caught by Shirley Vollmer upriver on a frozen shad in March of 2000.
• Largemouth Bass: 15.3-pounds caught by Joe Bruce on February 1st, 2005.
• Spotted Bass: 7.63 pounds, caught on May 3, 2002 by Kyle Rasmussen.
• Catfish: 36 pounds, caught by Dean Nelson.
• Kokanee: 2.8 pounds caught by Ray Koch of Escalon.
• Read and Post New Melones Lake Fishing Reports Here
• CDFW Fish Planting Schedule for New Melones Lake

Comments and Tips:

      If you know something about this area or have some photos that you'd like to share, please E-mail and I'll post it here!