Bethany Reservoir
- Speed limit
- 5 mph
- Boats allowed
- Small boats, canoes, kayaks, sailboards
- Not allowed
- Jet skis, waterskiing, kite surfing
- Fees
- $11 parking; $7 boat launch
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Fishing
- Sailing
About this lake
Bethany Reservoir sits at the northern end of the California Aqueduct near Byron, in a state recreation area popular for fishing, boating, picnicking and birdwatching. The park is open 7 a.m. to sunset.
On the water
The speed limit is 5 mph. Small boats, canoes, kayaks, catamarans and sailboards are allowed; jet skis, waterskiing and kite surfing are not. Rafts, stand-up boards, float tubes and similar craft must stay within 200 feet of shore. The boat launch is by the main parking lot and costs $7, plus $11 day-use parking.
Mussel rules
A 2026 State Parks order requires every boater to self-inspect boats and trailers for invasive mussels before launching. A boat that fails may not launch, and launching between sunset and sunrise is prohibited. Harmful algae may be present.
Around the lake
The California Aqueduct Bikeway starts from the main parking lot. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Bethany Reservoir SRA is at 13638 Christensen Road, Byron.
Mussel inspection
Self-inspect your boat and trailer for invasive mussels before launching, as State Parks' 2026 order requires. Arrive clean, drained and dry.
- Hours
- 7 a.m. to sunset
- Park phone
- (925) 447-2867
What's here
Launch
Boat launch near the main parking lot
Kayaking
Canoes, kayaks and small boats
Sailing
Catamarans and sailboards allowed
Fishing
Shore and boat fishing
Trails
California Aqueduct Bikeway
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- Speeds over 5 mph are prohibited; jet skis, waterskiing and kite surfing are prohibited; rafts, stand-up boards and float tubes only within 200 feet of shoreparks.ca.gov ↗
- Boaters must self-inspect vessels and trailers for dreissenid mussels before launching; launching between sunset and sunrise is prohibited (order effective January 1, 2026)parks.ca.gov ↗
- $11 day-use parking and $7 boat launch; dogs on a 6-foot leashparks.ca.gov ↗
- Registered boats used in fresh water must display a current Mussel Fee Sticker on the hull next to the registration stickerdbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
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