Los Banos Creek Reservoir
- Status
- Ramp closed (low water); hand-carried craft only
- Speed limit
- 5 mph, whole lake
- Boating hours
- 6 a.m. to sunset
- Fishing
- Winter trout; bass, crappie, bluegill
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Camping
- Restrooms
About this lake
Status: Los Banos Creek reopened on September 30, 2026 with restrictions. Lake levels are extremely low, so no boats can launch from the ramp. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and other small craft that can be carried by hand are allowed. Ask San Luis Water District about water levels.
Los Banos Creek Reservoir is part of San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area near Los Banos. It was built to keep storm runoff out of the canals.
On the water
The whole lake has a 5 mph speed limit, which makes it pleasant for kayaks and canoes. Boating hours are 6 a.m. to sunset. There's a boat ramp with a floating dock and trailer parking for when water returns. The state stocks trout in winter; bass, crappie and bluegill are also caught.
Golden mussels
Golden mussels were confirmed at nearby O'Neill Forebay in 2026. State agencies ask everyone to clean, drain and dry boats and gear every time they leave a lake.
Camping
Fourteen undeveloped shoreline campsites have shade ramadas, tables and stoves, chemical toilets and a beach; there's no drinking water.
Getting there & access
Getting there
From I-5 take Highway 152 east to Volta Road, then Pioneer Road and Canyon Road into the park (20800 Canyon Road).
Golden mussels
Golden mussels were found at nearby O'Neill Forebay in 2026. Clean, drain and dry your boat and gear every time you leave the water.
- Camping
- 14 undeveloped sites, no water
- Kiosk
- (209) 826-6393
What's here
Ramp
Boat ramp and floating dock (closed at low water)
Kayaking
Hand-carried kayaks, canoes and paddleboards
Fishing
Trout in winter; bass, crappie, bluegill
Camping
14 shoreline campsites
Swimming
Beach area by the campground
Restrooms
Chemical toilets
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- No vessels can launch from the ramp at current lake levels; kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and hand-carried craft are allowed (notice of September 30, 2026); 5 mph speed limit on the whole lakeparks.ca.gov ↗
- Golden mussels were identified at O'Neill Forebay; clean, drain and dry watercraft and equipment every time they leave a waterbodyparks.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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