Lake Camanche

Lake Camanche is best known for great bass fishing, though it is also a favorite of trout anglers. There is room on the lake for personal watercraft, wakeboards, water-skis, and other towables in the summer. Electronic gates at North and South Shore open at 5:00 am and close at 11:00 pm year-round.

Marinas are located on North and South Shores with eight-lane launch ramps, berthing, storage and rental boats. The upper end of the lake, east of the narrows, is reserved for a quieter boating experience. No personal watercraft or towables are allowed in this area or within 200 feet of the shore. A five mile per hour speed limit is also imposed in that area to provided quiet beaches for sunbathing and solitude.

Scenic hiking and equestrian trails travel around the North and South Shores. Each trail will take you along rolling hills and through several oak groves that offer intermittent shade. A trail use permit is required and may be purchased at either gate. Tennis, basketball and volleyball courts are located on both shores as are playgrounds for the kids.

Recreation at Lake Camanche is managed by the Camanche Recreation Company. The entire company is under contract to East Bay Municipal District (EBMUD) which owns and operates the reservoir and dam. For a list of various fees for lake use visit Camanche Recreation Company’s website.

Lake Camanche has tent camping available year-round at both North and South Shores. RV hook-up sites are provided at South Shore, self-contained RV’s are welcome at North Shore. Camp sites include barbecues, tables, water, hot showers, restrooms and laundry facilities.

You can also rent a cottage or motel unit at both North and South shores with a kitchen, barbecue, A/C, and TV. South Shore units are available as single rooms only, while North Shore units can be single or adjoining rooms. For more information, you can call (209) 763-5121. For the full list of places to stay in the Mother Lode visit this page.

Camanche is a fabulous place to find Bass. Shoreline access is available to anglers at both the North and South shores and upriver only by boat. There is a marina on the North and South shores, both have a six lane launch ramp, berthing, storage and rental boats.

80,000 pounds of trout are stocked between October and June, each weighing over a pound. A $4.00 fishing access fee is charged per angler, per day. All of the money collected funds the stocking program and to improve the lake’s overall fishery. The large trout pond at South Shore is a perfect place to take children fishing.

Due to the growing presence of the invasive Zebra and Quagga mussel in California, boat inspections and interviews are required prior to entry. For more information click here or call (866) 763-5121

Lake Camanche Fish: rainbow trout, large and small mouth bass, spotted bass, catfish, kokanee, crappie, bluegill and sunfish.

• New Melones
• Local, State, & Natl Parks
• All Reservoirs
• Other Outdoor Activities
• All Reservoirs/Lakes