Bureau Of Reclamation Announces Operation Information For New Melones, Berryessa Lakes

The following press releases are courtesy of the Bureau of Reclamation:

Reclamation announces spring and summer operation updates at New Melones Lake beginning May 1st

Media Contact: Office of Communications, 916-978-5100, sha-MPR-PublicAffairs@usbr.gov

For Release: Apr 14, 2026

New Melones Lake

Sonora, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation will adjust operating hours at New Melones Lake beginning May 1, as part of its seasonal transition. As temperatures rise and visitation increases, Reclamation encourages visitors to plan for updated access hours, boating requirements, and available recreation services. 

Boating and Mussel Prevention

Reclamation requires that all boats launching at New Melones Lake participate in a mandatory 30-day quarantine or make a reservation through New Melones Lake Marina to receive a decontamination wash to prevent the introduction of the Golden Mussel, an invasive species found in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Summer Boat Launch Hours 

Glory Hole Point

• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Monday through Thursday 
• 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Friday through Sunday and Federal Holidays  

Tuttletown

• 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Friday through Sunday and Federal Holidays
• CLOSED Monday through Thursday
• Learn more at the New Melones Lake – Boating and Fishing For decontamination information please email: pr@newmeloneslakemarina.com or visit: https://musseldecon.com/Tip: Boaters should confirm ramp closing times with operators to avoid delays or a second quarantine period.

Glory Hole Recreation Area

• Entrance gate open from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Campgrounds reservable at www.recreation.gov – Glory Hole Campgrounds
• Day Use Areas open sunrise to sunset

Tuttletown Recreation Area

• Entrance gate open from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Camprgrounds CLOSED
• Day Use Areas open sunrise to sunset

 Natural Bridges and Other Outlying Day Use Areas

• Open sunrise to sunset
• Parking is often limited 
• Follow all posted signage
• Pack out all waste

 New Melones Lake Administration & Visitor Center

• The Visitor Center and Museum are closed.
• The Administration building is typically open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. 
• America the Beautiful Interagency passes and New Melones Lake Annual Day Use and Boat Launch passes are available at the Administration building. Tip: Prior to arrival, it is recommended to call the office phone number to confirm that day’s operating hours.

For more information about activities, fees, maps, and updates, visit the New Melones website, call 209-459-7290, or email  BOR-NewMelonesRec@usbr.gov.

                                                                                                          # # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation’s largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits.

The Bureau of Reclamation announces summer season operating hours for Lake Berryessa 

Boaters urged to plan ahead for 30-day watercraft quarantine 

Media Contact: Office of Communications, 916-978-5100, sha-MPR-PublicAffairs@usbr.govLake Berryessa

NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation will adjust operating hours at Lake Berryessa beginning April 20, as part of its seasonal transition. As temperatures rise and visitation increases, Reclamation encourages visitors to plan for updated access hours, boating requirements, and available recreation services.  

Starting May 3, 2026

North & South Oak Shores Day Use Area:

• 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Monday through Friday 
• 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Saturdays and Sundays

Starting May 23, 2026 – Memorial Day Weekend

North & South Oak Shores and Smittle Creek Day Use Area

• 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Monday through Friday
• 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. – Saturday and Sunday

Plan ahead before trailering your vessel

All vessels entering Lake Berryessa must complete a free, 30-day quarantine before launching. Those already in possession of a Lake Berryessa green seal, proof of decontamination, or who plan to use vessels that are neither petroleum powered nor trailered, are exempt from the quarantine. More information on the quarantine, seal installation locations, and decontaminations may be found on the Solano County Water Agency Website: https://scwa2.com/lake-berryessa-mussel-prevention-program/.

Desired Date of Launch	Last Day to Install a Quarantine Seal*
Memorial Day, May 25	April 24
Juneteenth, June 19	May 19
Father’s Day, June 21	May 21
July 4th	June 3
Labor Day, September 7	August 7

*Boaters may schedule a paid decontamination service from designated cleaning locations at Putah Canyon, Pleasure Cove, Markley Cove, and Lake Solano. A decontamination is they only way to launch immediately without going through the 30-day quarantine period.

For additional information about Lake Berryessa visit: Lake Berryessa | Field Offices | CCAO | Area Offices | California-Great Basin | Bureau of Reclamation

                                                                                                     # # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation’s largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities,and environmental benefits.