Fishing New Melones Lake

What's biting on New Melones Lake by month, the latest stocking reports, limits, bait shops and the gear to bring.

Photo: snty-tact (Talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Rentals, stays & trips for New Melones LakePartner links · same price for you
Fishing charterHalf and full-day trips, gear includedViator Rent a boat on New Melones LakePontoons, ski and fishing boats from local ownersBoatsetter Stay near New Melones LakeLake cabins, vacation homes and hotelsExpedia · Vrbo Private campsiteWhen the public sites are fullHipcamp

Heads up: Off-season trips are quieter. Many owners still rent on calm, sunny weekends.

Fishing charterViator · partner link→
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What's biting

Fish in New Melones Lake

SpeciesOriginBest monthsNotes
Rainbow troutStocked Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec Last stocked Nov 16, 2025.

Recent stocking

  • TroutNov 16, 2025

CDFW Fish Planting Schedule

Gear for these fish

Partner links

Rainbow trout

Fly rods, reels and fliesTrident Fly Fishing→Fiberglass fly rods and kitsEpic Fly Rods→Spoons, spinners and minnow luresRapala→

For every angler

Landing nets and fly boxesEGO Fishing→Sun-protective fishing shirtsHook & Tackle→Fishing shirts, shorts and vestsColumbia→

Gas and fuel docks

  • Gas station
    3.2 mi
  • Chevron
    5.1 mi
  • Sierra
    5.4 mi
  • Shell
    6.1 mi

Bait and tackle

  • Sierra Nevada Adventure Co.
    10.0 mi

Groceries and ice

  • Food Mart
    5.1 mi
  • Chevron
    5.4 mi
  • Save MartIce260 South Main Street, Angels Camp
    5.8 miCall
  • Barendregt's GroceryIce
    6.2 mi

⚑ Limits.See the full limits table on the New Melones Lake page, and always confirm with the California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (wildlife.ca.gov) before you fish.

Good to know

Questions about New Melones Lake

What fish are in New Melones Lake?

New Melones Lake has Rainbow trout. Rainbow trout is stocked by the state.

Is New Melones Lake stocked with fish?

Yes. The most recent state planting report for New Melones Lake lists Trout the week of 2025-11-16. Sign up on this page to get an email when it's stocked again.

Where can I buy bait near New Melones Lake?

Bait and tackle nearby: Sierra Nevada Adventure Co. (10.0 mi). Hours change, so call ahead.

Do I need a fishing license at New Melones Lake?

Yes. In California, anyone 16 or older needs a California fishing license, and some waters need extra stamps or validations. Check the state wildlife agency for current rules before you fish.