Lake guide
Lake Amador
Ione, Amador County, CA
Overview
Lake Amador is a 400-acre foothill lake near Ione in Amador County, about 40 miles northeast of Stockton, with about 13 miles of shoreline. A privately run resort operates the launch, campground and marina, and the whole place is built around fishing rather than speed.
A quiet-water fishing lake
Waterskiing and jet skis aren't allowed, so the lake stays calm for anglers in small fishing boats, rental boats and kayaks. Lake Amador is known for heavy trout plants: the resort stocks up to 5,000 pounds a week in season, with fish averaging 2 to 6 pounds or more. It also has a reputation for big largemouth bass, and a 17.1-pound bass held the Northern California record for more than a decade.
Facilities
The resort is at 7500 Lake Amador Drive. The state facility listing shows a launch with 150 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers, 2 boarding floats and 25 dry-storage spaces. There's also a boat washdown area, boat rentals, a fish cleaning station, a campground with showers, a store with tackle and ice, a restaurant and a swimming area. The resort is open year-round.
Before you go
Lake Amador is fresh water, so registered boats need a current Mussel Fee sticker. Call the resort at (209) 274-4739 for current launch fees, hours and any inspection requirements before you tow.
Getting there & access
By road
Lake Amador Resort is at 7500 Lake Amador Drive, Ione, about 40 miles northeast of Stockton. Call (209) 274-4739 for launch fees and hours.
Launch and parking
The resort launch has 2 boarding floats and 150 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers, according to the state facility listing. A boat washdown area is on site.
What boats fit
No waterskiing or jet skis are allowed, so the lake suits fishing boats, small runabouts used for fishing, rentals, canoes and kayaks.
Dry storage
The facility lists 25 dry-storage spaces. Ask the resort about availability.
Amenities
- Launch ramp — 2 boarding floats, 150 trailer parking spaces
- Dry storage — 25 spaces listed
- Boat washdown — On-site washdown area
- Boat rentals — Available at the resort
- Camping — 150-site campground with showers and flush toilets, plus RV sites with full hookups
- Fish cleaning station — At the resort
- Store and food — Convenience store, tackle, ice, snack bar and restaurant
- Swimming area — Designated swimming area at the resort
Rules & official resources
- No waterskiing or jet skis allowed on Lake Amador
- Lake Amador Resort is a private facility; contact it for launch fees, hours and current inspection requirements
- Registered boats used in fresh water must display a current Mussel Fee sticker on the hull next to the registration sticker
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Outboard and trolling-motor service
Most boats here are small fishing boats that run slowly for long hours. Pre-season outboard tune-ups and trolling-motor service keep anglers on the water during the trout season.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Fishing electronics
Trout and big-bass anglers rely on sonar, GPS and trolling motors. Battery, charger and electronics installs are common requests.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Washdowns
Fish slime, bait and red foothill dust build up quickly on fishing boats. Regular washdowns keep hulls and carpets clean and help boats arrive clean and dry at the next lake.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Covers for dry storage
Boats kept in open dry storage through foothill summers need covers to protect upholstery and electronics from sun.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 7, 2026