Lake guide
New Melones Lake
Sonora, Calaveras County, CA
Overview
New Melones Lake is a big Bureau of Reclamation reservoir on the Stanislaus River, straddling Calaveras and Tuolumne counties off Highway 49 between Angels Camp and Sonora. At full pool it covers about 12,500 acres and holds roughly 2.4 million acre-feet, with more than 100 miles of shoreline. Reclamation runs the recreation areas, and a private concessionaire runs the only marina.
Layout
Boating centers on two developed recreation areas reached from Highway 49: Glory Hole (Calaveras side, home to the Glory Hole Point ramp, the Angels Creek ramp and New Melones Lake Marina) and Tuttletown (Tuolumne side). Together they offer more than 300 campsites, day-use areas, trails and a visitor center and museum.
The quarantine rule changes everything
Since December 2024, when golden mussels turned up in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, trailered boats can't just show up and launch. Gas-powered boats must sit out of the water for 30 days with a wire and red seal through the bow eye, or get a paid decontamination at the marina for same-day access. Plan this weeks ahead of any trip.
Seasonal notes
Ramp hours and which ramps are open change with the season and lake level. Fishing tournaments are currently cancelled to limit mussel spread. Check Reclamation's boating page before you tow.
Getting there & access
By road
Both recreation areas are off Highway 49. Glory Hole sits on the Calaveras County side near Angels Camp; Tuttletown is on the Tuolumne County side toward Sonora. The Glory Hole ramp area has about 706 parking spaces for vehicles with trailers.
Which ramp is open
Reclamation's boating page currently lists Glory Hole Point open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, with Angels Creek and Tuttletown closed. For summer 2026 (from May 1) Reclamation listed Glory Hole Point at 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Friday–Sunday and federal holidays, and Tuttletown open weekends and holidays only. Confirm closing times before you launch, since missing them can mean restarting quarantine.
Getting through the quarantine
Gas-powered boats must be left out of the water for 30 days with a documented wire and red seal attached through the bow eye. After the 30 days you receive a green seal when you reseal. Red seals have been issued at the Glory Hole ramp. Alternatively, reserve a decontamination wash through New Melones Lake Marina for same-day access (fee applies).
Paddlecraft
Hand-launched kayaks, paddleboards and canoes powered only by paddles or electric trolling motors are exempt from the seal program. Mussel-detection dog teams may screen boats at the ramp.
Amenities
- Glory Hole Point ramp — Main launch, Glory Hole Recreation Area off Highway 49; about 706 trailer parking spaces
- Tuttletown ramp — Tuolumne County side; seasonal and lake-level dependent
- Angels Creek ramp — Glory Hole area; currently listed as closed
- New Melones Lake Marina — 6503 Glory Hole Road, Angels Camp: rentals, slips, fuel, store, decontamination wash, pump-out
- Campgrounds — More than 300 sites at Glory Hole and Tuttletown, booked through Recreation.gov
- Visitor center and museum — Reclamation visitor center plus day-use areas and hiking, biking and equestrian trails
Rules & official resources
- All gas-powered boats must complete a 30-day out-of-water quarantine with a documented wire and red seal through the bow eye, then receive a green seal when resealing
- Instead of quarantine, boats may get a decontamination wash by reservation through New Melones Lake Marina (fee applies); requirement announced April 14, 2026 to keep golden mussels out
- Hand-launched kayaks, paddleboards and canoes with electric trolling motors only are exempt from the seal program
- Confirm ramp closing times with operators to avoid delays or a second quarantine period
- Fishing tournaments are currently cancelled to prevent mussel spread; fishing license required for ages 16 and up
- Boaters need a California Boater Card, current vessel registration, Mussel Fee Sticker and Coast Guard-required safety equipment
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Cleaning and drying for quarantine
With a 30-day seal program, owners want boats fully cleaned, drained and dry before sealing. Washdowns that reach bilges, live wells and engine cooling passages help a boat pass and avoid a failed launch.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Engine service between trips
Boats often sit sealed for a month, then run hard on a big lake. Pre-season and post-quarantine engine checks, fuel stabilizer, batteries and impellers are common needs.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Transport to the lake
Most boats here are trailered in from the Central Valley and Bay Area, and timing the trip to the seal schedule matters. Some owners hire transport so the boat arrives during ramp hours.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Canvas and upholstery
Foothill summers are hot and sunny, and boats sit on trailers in the open. Covers, Bimini tops and seat upholstery wear out quickly without UV protection.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 6, 2026