Pardee Reservoir
- Status
- Launches closed to private boats for 2026
- Season
- Feb 13-Nov 8, 2026
- Rentals
- Motorboats and pontoons, daily
- Not allowed
- Jet skis, waterskiing, lake swimming
- Fishing
- Boat rentals
- Camping
- Restrooms
About this lake
Status: Pardee's boat launches are closed to private boats for the 2026 season. EBMUD is keeping them closed to protect the reservoir from golden mussels. The recreation area stays open for shore fishing, boat rentals, hiking and camping.
Pardee Reservoir is the heart of the East Bay Municipal Utility District's drinking water supply, in the Sierra foothills near Ione. In 2026 the recreation area is open from February 13 to November 8.
On the water
Motorboats, deluxe boats and pontoon boats are rented daily. Personal watercraft, waterskiing and lake swimming aren't allowed under state law for drinking water reservoirs. About 90 percent of anglers fish for trout; kokanee, bass, catfish, crappie and bluegill are also caught. Anglers 16 and older need a state fishing license and a $7.25 daily Pardee fishing access permit.
Camping and more
Two campgrounds have 141 sites with running water, flush restrooms and laundry nearby, and the RV park has 56 full-hookup sites. Two swimming pools, a cafe and a store are next to the marina. Dogs are welcome in developed areas on a leash, for a fee.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Pardee Recreation Area is at 4900 Stony Creek Road, Ione.
Golden mussels
EBMUD has closed Pardee's launches to private boats for the 2026 season while it studies how to keep golden mussels out. Use the rental boats instead.
- Fishing permit
- $7.25/day plus state license
- Camping
- 141 sites + 56-site RV park
- Recreation office
- 209-772-1472
What's here
Boat rentals
Motorboat and pontoon rentals daily
Fishing
Trout, kokanee, bass, catfish, crappie
Camping
141 campsites and a 56-site RV park
Restrooms
Flush restrooms and laundry
Pools
Two swimming pools by the cafe
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- Boat launches are closed to private vessels for the 2026 season because of the golden mussel; the recreation area stays openebmud.com ↗
- Personal watercraft, waterskiing and lake swimming are not allowedebmud.com ↗
- Fishing access permit $7.25 per day for ages 16 and up, plus a California fishing licenseebmud.com ↗
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