Reservoir · Calaveras, California
New Melones Lake
Location Snapshot
New Melones Lake is a large Sierra foothill reservoir on the Stanislaus River with steep canyon walls, long creek arms, and deep open water. Largemouth bass and rainbow trout are the principal supported targets.
Information Only
StrikeTracks does not currently provide a live condition rating for this destination. Destination and fishery information is still available.
Weather Near Lake
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Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at New Melones Lake.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
Largemouth bass are primary and established in New Melones Lake. Rainbow trout are common and established.
Target species

Largemouth Bass
Micropterus nigricans
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Trolling
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerConservative overlap streamer family. Not an insect Hatch claim.
- Parachute-style dryOne general surface family appropriate to mixed fisheries — not a Hatch report.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphOne general subsurface family. Not destination entomology.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
Cataloged lake location
Calaveras, California
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
Lake Details
County
Calaveras
Management Category
Reservoir
Regulation Scope
New Melones Lake.
Regulation Summary
California Department of Fish and Wildlife freshwater fishing regulations apply; confirm current seasons, access, and limits.
Target Species
Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout
Public Access
Public
