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Quick Summary
Don Pedro Lake in California offers bass and other freshwater fishing across a large reservoir. Check recreation-area launch access, tributary closures and current CDFW rules before a trip.
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Top Target Species on Don Pedro Reservoir
Largemouth Bass
Spotted Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Rainbow Trout
Crappie
Frequently Asked Questions about Don Pedro Reservoir
Where is Don Pedro Lake?
Don Pedro Lake is a reservoir on the Tuolumne River in California, with recreation access managed by the Don Pedro Recreation Agency.
What can I fish for at Don Pedro Lake?
Bass are a major target; check the Don Pedro Recreation Agency fishery page for other species and current conditions.
Where can I launch?
The recreation agency lists Blue Oaks, Fleming Meadows and Moccasin Point areas. Verify the ramp status and fees before leaving.
Are tributary streams always open?
No. Seasonal closures apply to certain tributaries east of Highway 49; check current CDFW rules for exact dates and boundaries.
Fishing Don Pedro Reservoir
For launch locations and recreation-area access, consult the Don Pedro Recreation Agency. Review California inland fishing regulations before fishing; tributary restrictions and water conditions can change.
Fishing at Don Pedro Lake
Don Pedro Lake’s tranquil waters are open to anglers all year. By restrictions enacted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, access to tributary streams that originate east of Highway 49 and drain into the lake is prohibited from November through April.
Starting in the 1980s, the Don Pedro Recreation Agency has regularly stocked the lake with Black Bass from the Florida strain. Recently, bass as large as 18.5 pounds have been caught in the lake.
Don Pedro Lake is home to various species, including the Smallmouth and Spotted Bass. However, they are not as expected.
The reservoir is stocked with Kokanee and Chinook salmon, both of which thrive despite being landlocked. Between autumn and spring, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will supply Rainbow trout and, on occasion, Brook and Brown trout. Apart from the species listed above, fishers can also catch catfish, crappie, sunfish, bluegill, and grass carp.
Boating at Don Pedro Reservoir
If Don Pedro Lake is at capacity, you may enjoy its roughly 160 miles of coastline and 13,000 surface acres of water. Whether you’re interested in self-powered, wind-powered, or motorized, there are sections of the lake ideal for your chosen mode of transportation.
If you want to get your boat out on the water and back again, you can pick between different launch ramps: one off of Highway 120/49 near the town of Moccasin, another off of Bonds Flat Road near Don Pedro Dam, and Fleming Meadows and Blue Oaks, both of which are accessible from Bonds Flat Road (Moccasin Point).
Every ramp leads out onto a well-maintained recreational area with concrete pathways and boarding floats. For the comfort and convenience of boaters, numerous fixed facilities are available along the shoreline, as well as floating restrooms located in the water.
Those looking for a full-service marina may stop at Fleming Meadows, along Bonds Flat Road (Don Pedro Lake Marina), or in Moccasin Point, just off Highway 120/49. (Moccasin Point Marina). Don Pedro Reservoir Marina and Moccasin Point Marina are excellent places to rent boats and purchase water toys and fishing gear.
About
New Don Pedro Dam was built over the Tuolumne River in Tuolumne County, California, United States, creating Don Pedro Reservoir, commonly known as Lake Don Pedro.
Don Pedro Lake is located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills to the east of Modesto, California, and it has 13,000 surface acres of water and 160 miles of coastline to explore.
The lake is a popular destination for water sports and recreation, including boating, fishing, swimming, waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, and even houseboats.
The article below details the best boating and fishing spots in Don Pedro Reservoir.
Don Pedro Recreation Area
The Don Pedro Recreation Agency manages the area. When fishing at this lake, you can find several camping zones equipped with boat launches, campsites, and many more amenities.
Blue Oaks
Blue Oaks Recreation Area is tucked away on the gentle slopes next to Don Pedro Lake.
Campers may see the central valley or the sun rising over Don Pedro Lake when they wake up. RV and tent-friendly sites, as well as those with limited or no electricity or running water, are available. In addition, there’s a boat launch, fish cleaning station, sewage disposal station, facilities with free hot showers, and a hiking path.
The facility also features a group camping area that accommodates up to 200 people, complete with a covered dining area and RV power connections.
Top Targeted Fish Species
Crappie
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Fleming Meadows
Campsites in the Fleming Meadows Area may be either full-hookup or primitive, and visitors can choose from various camping loops to suit their needs. A 2-acre swimming lagoon with a sand bottom/beach section, a big grass lawn, a snack bar, and a picnic space.
The marina offers full-service facilities, including a camp shop, sewage disposal station, group picnic area, and horseshoe pits. Additionally, you can spend your time at the volleyball court or use the fish cleaning station, free hot showers, and the ball field, all available at Fleming Meadows.
Moccasin Point
Moccasin Point Recreation Area is located in a beautiful canyon between Don Pedro Lake’s arms, where the Tuolumne River and Moccasin Bay feed. It features an RV (full hookup) and tent camping, free hot showers, a sewage dump station, hiking trails, a picnic area, a boat launch ramp, a fish cleaning station, and a full-service marina.
This campsite is conveniently situated near the junction of Moccasin Creek and Don Pedro Lake, making it an excellent home base for those interested in fishing both lakes and streams. Moccasin Creek’s cold water makes for a pleasant place to fish for trout or wade during summer.
Moccasin Point Campground is well situated for exploring the surrounding region. Tuolumne, Mariposa, and Calaveras counties’ best sights are within a quick drive of the campsite at Moccasin Point Recreation Area.
Don Pedro Reservoir Charter Captains
To see a complete list of great California Fishing Guides, please click here!
Visitor Center
The Don Pedro Recreation Agency Visitor Center is a distinctive spherical building that overlooks the Don Pedro Dam and reservoir, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Yosemite backcountry, including Mount McClure, Mount Lyell, Mount Florence, and Mount Clark.
The structure has interpretive displays on the Don Pedro Recreation Area, the history of the area, the development of the reservoir and dams along the Tuolumne River watershed, and the local flora and wildlife. There is also the headquarters of the Don Pedro Recreation Agency housed here.
The region surrounding the facility is frequented by many native California foothill animals, including bald and golden eagles, osprey, red-tailed hawks, and other raptors, ducks, a wide variety of songbirds, deer, bobcat, coyote, and many more.
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