
New Melones Lake
New Melones Lake is a large reservoir located in the central Sierra Nevada foothills, straddling the border between Calaveras and Tuolumne counties in California. With a surface area of 12,499 acres, it is one of the largest reservoirs in the state and an important source of water for the region. The lake was created by the construction of the New Melones Dam on the Stanislaus River, which is part of the Central Valley Project, a federal water management system that provides water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and other uses. The lake's scenic location and abundant recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for visitors from throughout California and beyond. The lake offers a range of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The shoreline is dotted with campgrounds and picnic areas, providing visitors with ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Fishing is a particularly popular activity on New Melones Lake, with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, trout, and kokanee salmon. The lake's clear waters and rocky shoreline provide ideal habitat for these and other fish species, making it a prime destination for anglers of all skill levels. The surrounding hills and canyons offer a range of hiking and mountain biking trails, allowing visitors to explore the area's natural beauty on foot or by bike. The Table Mountain Trail is a popular destination for hikers, providing stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. In addition to its recreational opportunities, New Melones Lake is also an important habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The lake and its surrounding hills are home to a range of mammals, including deer, coyotes, and mountain lions, as well as a variety of bird species, such as eagles, ospreys, and herons. In conclusion, New Melones Lake is a beautiful and diverse recreational destination, offering visitors a range of activities and opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you're interested in boating, fishing, hiking, or wildlife viewing, the lake and its surroundings offer something for everyone. With its clear waters, scenic views, and abundant wildlife, New Melones Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a relaxing and memorable outdoor experience.
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New Melones Lake
New Melones Lake is a large reservoir located in the central Sierra Nevada foothills, straddling the border between Calaveras and Tuolumne counties in California. With a surface area of 12,499 acres, it is one of the largest reservoirs in the state and an important source of water for the region. The lake was created by the construction of the New Melones Dam on the Stanislaus River, which is part of the Central Valley Project, a federal water management system that provides water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and other uses. The lake's scenic location and abundant recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for visitors from throughout California and beyond. The lake offers a range of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The shoreline is dotted with campgrounds and picnic areas, providing visitors with ample opportunities to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Fishing is a particularly popular activity on New Melones Lake, with a variety of fish species, including bass, catfish, trout, and kokanee salmon. The lake's clear waters and rocky shoreline provide ideal habitat for these and other fish species, making it a prime destination for anglers of all skill levels. The surrounding hills and canyons offer a range of hiking and mountain biking trails, allowing visitors to explore the area's natural beauty on foot or by bike. The Table Mountain Trail is a popular destination for hikers, providing stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. In addition to its recreational opportunities, New Melones Lake is also an important habitat for a variety of wildlife species. The lake and its surrounding hills are home to a range of mammals, including deer, coyotes, and mountain lions, as well as a variety of bird species, such as eagles, ospreys, and herons. In conclusion, New Melones Lake is a beautiful and diverse recreational destination, offering visitors a range of activities and opportunities to connect with nature. Whether you're interested in boating, fishing, hiking, or wildlife viewing, the lake and its surroundings offer something for everyone. With its clear waters, scenic views, and abundant wildlife, New Melones Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a relaxing and memorable outdoor experience.
Read more detailsCurrent Conditions
Water Temperature
Current water temperature for New Melones Lake is 71°F.
Current Snapshot
Forecast: Wednesday, May 14
MostlyClear
Hourly Insights
Temperature
Precipitation
Wind
Sun, Moon & UV
Solunar Fishing Forecast
Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)
8:43 AM - 11:13 AM
4:56 PM - 7:26 PM
5:06 AM - 6:36 AM
1:16 PM - 2:46 PM
Outlook for Wednesday at New Melones Lake
Expect temperatures ranging from 48°F to 73°F. Skies look mostly clear with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 6 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 15 mph. The maximum UV index will be 8 (Very High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 4/5 (Todays action is rated a 4 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 8:43 AM and 4:56 PM, or try the minor windows near 5:06 AM and 1:16 PM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for New Melones Lake.
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Lake Information
Common Fish Species
Nearby Lakes
Water Temperature History
Trends for New Melones Lake
Current Temp
Latest recorded surface temperature.
Lowest in Period
44°F
On Dec 22
Coldest point in the Last 12 Months.
Average in Period
62°F
Typical temp during the Last 12 Months.
Temperature Trend: Last 12 Months
Surface temperature over the selected period.
Key Observations (Last 12 Months)
- Warmest avg: July (83°F).
- Coolest avg: December (49°F).
- Rapid warming often occurs: April → May (+12°F).
- Sharpest cooling trend: October → November (-14°F).
Weather Forecast
Wind speed and pressure trends
Hourly Wind Forecast
Wind Direction
0°
Pressure
1017 mb
Cloud Cover
0%
Visibility
17 miles
Daily Pressure Forecast


Frequently Asked Questions About New Melones Lake
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