News Release Archive

New Melones Lake Remains Open for Recreation with the Exception of Tuttletown Boat Ramp

Media Contact: Shana Kaplan, 916-978-5100, skaplan@usbr.gov

For Release: June 18, 2014

SONORA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation announces that the Tuttletown boat ramp at New Melones Lake will be closed beginning June 20 until further notice due to receding water levels. The boat ramp at Glory Hole Point is currently available for launching boats. A lower-level ramp will emerge soon, extending the ramp for continued launching at Glory Hole Point. All campgrounds and day use areas in the park, as well as the New Melones Lake Visitor Center and Museum, will remain open as usual throughout the recreation season.

Various trails continue to be available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The New Melones Lake Marina features boat slips and boat rentals, including houseboats, water skiing and fishing boats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and other personal water craft. The marina store provides gasoline, convenience items, snack foods and other refreshments for the recreational boater.

Water levels at the lake fluctuate frequently, and Reclamation encourages all boaters to use caution while navigating the lake. Some hazards may still emerge as the lake’s surface elevation gradually drops more than usual over the summer due to continued drought conditions.

Boaters are required to maintain speeds of no more than 5 miles per hour within 200 feet of any island or shoreline. Wearing life jackets while on the water will help visitors have a safe and enjoyable day on the lake. Children age 11 and younger must wear a properly fitting life jacket while on a vessel of 26 feet or less.

Campsites are available by calling the toll-free reservation line at 1-877-444-6777 (10 a.m. - midnight EST) or online at www.recreation.gov. New Melones Lake is managed by the Mid-Pacific Region’s Central California Area Office and is located near Highway 49 between Angels Camp and Sonora, Calif.

For questions on the latest recreation opportunities and conditions at New Melones Lake, please call 209-536-9094 or visit the New Melones website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/index.html.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.