New Melones Lake

New Melones Lake

Angels Camp, Calaveras County, CA
20mi²
313.00ft
Directions
Lake Information

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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Current Conditions

73°F°
Feels like 73°F°
Clear
Today's High
79°F°
Today's Low
52°F°

Water Temperature

71°F
Updated: (May 12)
Sign in to contribute temps.

Current water temperature for New Melones Lake is 71°F.

Current Snapshot

Wind8 mph WNW (Gust 13 mph)
Pressure
29.97 inHg
Visibility34 mi
Humidity32%
Cloud Cover1%

Forecast: Thursday, May 15

Day 1 of 9

Hourly Insights

7 AM
54°F°
10 AM
69°F°
1 PM
76°F°
4 PM
79°F°

Temperature

High
79°F°
Low
52°F°

Precipitation

Chance0%
Amount0.00"
Typeclear

Wind

5mph
Avg Speed
Gusts up to
14mph
CalmModerateStrong
Max Speed8 mph

Sun, Moon & UV

Sunrise12:51 PM
Sunset3:06 AM
Moon PhasewaningGibbous
Max UV Index7 (High)

Solunar Fishing Forecast

Action Rating
2/5

Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)

Major Times (Best)

9:35 AM - 12:05 PM

5:49 PM - 8:19 PM

Minor Times (Good)

7:00 AM - 7:00 AM

2:04 PM - 3:34 PM

Outlook for Thursday at New Melones Lake

Expect temperatures ranging from 52°F to 79°F. Skies look mostly clear with little chance of precipitation. Winds will be averaging 5 mph, with potential gusts reaching up to 14 mph. The maximum UV index will be 7 (High), so plan sun protection accordingly. For anglers, today's fishing action is rated 2/5 (Todays action is rated a 2 (scale is 0 thru 5, 5 is the best)). Look for the best bite times during the major periods around 9:35 AM and 5:49 PM, or try the minor windows near 7:00 AM and 2:04 PM for potential early morning or evening action. Check back for the latest conditions and forecasts for New Melones Lake.

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May 15th 2025

Lake Information

Elevation
313 ft
Area
20 mi²
Coordinates
37.979, -120.516

Weather Forecast

Thursday

79°F
52°F

Friday

80°F
54°F

Saturday

71°F
53°F

Sunday

76°F
48°F

Monday

83°F
52°F

Tuesday

86°F
54°F

Wednesday

88°F
55°F

Thursday

88°F
57°F

Friday

89°F
58°F
Thursday - 5/15/2025
79°F
52°F
12am
57°F
71°F
29.96 hPa
4 mph
NNE
G: 6 mph
2am
54°F
71°F
29.96 hPa
3 mph
NNE
G: 5 mph
4am
52°F
71°F
29.95 hPa
4 mph
NNE
G: 6 mph
6am
52°F
71°F
29.96 hPa
4 mph
NNE
G: 5 mph
8am
58°F
71°F
29.98 hPa
3 mph
NNE
G: 8 mph
10am
69°F
71°F
29.98 hPa
3 mph
W
G: 5 mph
12pm
74°F
71°F
29.97 hPa
7 mph
WSW
G: 10 mph
2pm
77°F
71°F
29.94 hPa
7 mph
W
G: 9 mph
4pm
79°F
71°F
29.92 hPa
8 mph
W
G: 11 mph
6pm
76°F
71°F
29.90 hPa
8 mph
WNW
G: 13 mph
8pm
69°F
71°F
29.90 hPa
5 mph
NW
G: 11 mph
10pm
63°F
71°F
29.93 hPa
4 mph
N
G: 11 mph

Water Temperature History

Trends for New Melones Lake

Current Temp

Sign in to view

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

23°

Pressure

1015 mb

Cloud Cover

0%

Visibility

17 miles

Daily Pressure Forecast

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Frequently Asked Questions About New Melones Lake

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