If there ever was “Lake Heaven”, then the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California are the place you are looking for. It combines water resources, beautiful natural scenery, fantastic recreational opportunities, and more.
New Hogan Lake is just one of many artificial lakes with much to offer. From wakeboarding and sailing to camping and hiking, Lake New Hogan is a magnet for weekend visitors.
Fishing at New Hogan Lake
Fishing is a popular sport in California, and New Hogan Lake is a well-known fishing spot. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, striped bass, white and black crappie, channel catfish, and bluegill are the popular fish species that may be found in New Hogan Lake.
Fishing enthusiasts who are after stripers visit the lake more often during spring and fall, as these are the times when these popular fish emerge in the waters of New Hogan Lake. However, if you are into trout fishing, you will have to go to the Calaveras River, as it is no longer stocked in Lake New Hogan.
Where to Fish
The best places to troll for stripers are on the lake or around Coyote Point and the Fiddleneck Day Use Area. Some anglers prefer fishing around the islands, while others prefer places with structures.
If you are going for largemouth bass, crappie, and smallmouth bass, then go for the points. Shallow areas are great for catfish fishing, especially in the summer.
You can also enjoy a good fishing day at the lake in Whiskey Creek or Bear Creek. These are great fishing spots where visitors can fill their boats with a variety of fish in no time.
Camp Fishing
Fishing is one way to plan a family day. If you are staying at the Acorn Campground, the Oak Knoll Campground, or the Deep Flat Boat-in Campground, don’t hesitate to try out this pastime.
Use the boat ramp nearby and visit Wrinkle Cove, an excellent fishing spot for largemouth bass, crappie, and striped bass.
When you return to your camp, light up the grill and organize a feast. If you were lucky, you could call some of the nearby campers and savor the catch together.
Fishing Regulations at New Hogan Lake
If you are a passionate angler, you know that there are fishing regulations that need to be followed. Before embarking on a fishing trip in central California, check with the local authorities on the regulations.
Find out where you can go fishing, the maximum size of the fish you can keep, fishing licenses, and more.
With that said, a fishing license is required for fishing in New Hogan Lake near Valley Springs, CA. If this is your first time on New Hogan Lake, you can purchase a resident or non-resident fishing license at the spot.
A Bit of New Hogan Lake History
The Calaveras River has been the “problem child” in the area. History has witnessed many floods of the river, which, in turn, have become a headache for the City of Stockton. The existing Hogan Dam couldn’t protect the city from flooding.
The Army Corps of Engineers decided it was time to tame the Calaveras River and use it to the advantage of Calaveras County.
Construction Phase
It took the Army Corps of Engineers three years to complete the earth-fill dam by 1963. The New Hogan Dam is 210 feet high and was built in 1965 to fill the New Hogan Reservoir.
As the owners of the reservoir, the Army Corps of Engineers intended it to provide flood protection, but at the same time, built a hydroelectric plant to generate electricity. The New Hogan reservoir also supplies drinking water to the Calaveras County Water District and the Stockton East Water District.
General Information on New Hogan Lake
Located 30 miles northeast of Stockton, the capacity of this artificial lake is 317,000 acre-feet. The lake is 180 feet deep and covers 4,400 acres. When full, New Hogan Lake extends 8 miles to the merging of the north and south forks of the Calaveras River and has a 50-mile-long shoreline.
One benefit for nearby residents is that to lake supplies the region with water.
Sun and Fun on Lake Hogan
If you are into outdoor activities, you’ll love New Hogan Lake. The diverse content of recreational activities is fantastic; there is literally something for everyone. Enjoy a day on the lake and try one of the many water sports.
Have fun water skiing, canoeing, sailing, or tubing. Use one of the several boat ramps to drop your boat or jet ski into the reservoir.
If you are into camping, there are around 207 available campsites. Savor all the modern amenities, or opt for pure, simple nature camping.
New Hogan Lake Attractions
The New Hogan Lake is close to many attractions and offers possibilities for all-day trips. With access to the Central Valley, the area is rich in picnic sites, popular swimming areas, and campgrounds.
Learn more about visiting the Wrinkle Cove Day Use Area, the Fiddleneck Recreation Area, and the Observation Point near the park headquarters. You can go fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife viewing, or horseback riding.
Go on a day trip and visit Angels Camp and Mercer Caverns, or enjoy a stroll on the nature trail near the foot of the New Hogan Dam. Mountain biking and disc golf are also popular in this area.
New Hogan Lake Charter Captains
To see a complete list of excellent California Fishing Guides, please click here!
Swimming in New Hogan Lake
Swimming is allowed in New Hogan Lake, but at your own risk. The park headquarters doesn’t provide lifeguards, so you’ll be swimming in the lake without supervision. But you can still enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake’s deep water.
There are some rocky areas around the shoreline, which is why tennis shoes are recommended. Wrinkle Cove is considered the most popular swimming spot among visitors.
Hunting Near New Hogan Lake
If you are into hunting, check with the park headquarters for details about rules and regulations. Hunting is allowed away from the developed recreation areas for safety reasons. – These areas are marked with white paddle markers.
You can use a bow and shotgun for hunting during the open season and hunt for ducks, geese, doves, turkeys, and quail.
Camping on New Hogan Lake
New Hogan Lake offers three campgrounds: Deer Flat Campground, Oak Knoll Campground, and Acorn Campground. There is also a possibility for group camping at the Coyote Point Group Campground.
Acorn Campground
The Acorn Campground offers 128 campsites overlooking New Hogan Lake. Handled by the Army Corps of Engineers, this campground allows you to place tents, recreational vehicles, or trailers.
The campground is open year-round, and the oak-covered shore is what draws visitors back.
Things to do in Acorn Campground
Acorn Campground has boat ramps you can use for your boat or jet ski, so that you can enjoy a day of fun with your family by boating or water skiing.
If you are more into exploring, visit the Monte Vista recreation area and try the breathtaking eight-mile equestrian trail. Here you can also try the “River of Skulls” hiking trail or enjoy the scenic loop along the other equestrian trails and the lake.
For those passionate about bike riding, there are many bicycle trails on the west side of New Hogan Lake. They are fitting even for beginner riders.
Amenities and Facilities
Acorn Campground is the best-equipped campground on New Hogan Lake. It offers coin-operated hot showers, restrooms with flush toilets, tap water, and a fish cleaning station.
It also has RV parks shaded by oak trees. Tents and trailers are also welcome here.
Oak Knoll Campground on New Hogan Lake
This is another Army Corps of Engineers campground. Spring is the best time to visit one of the 49 campsites here, spread around the shoreline of New Hogan Lake.
Located just east of Valley Springs, CA, the camping season runs from May to September. You can place tents, RVs, and trailers in this campground.
Things to do
Take advantage of the hiking and equestrian trails around the lakeshore. Go for a day of rafting on the Mokelumne River or have a mountain biking adventure.
Use the opportunity to visit the disc golf course located between Wrinkle Cove and the Fiddleneck Recreation Area.
Amenities and Facilities
The campground features a dump station and coin-operated showers. The campsites have a fire ring with a grill, lantern hook, and picnic table.
Deer Flat Boat-in Campground
The Deer Flat Boat-in Campground offers campsites on the south shore. These are accessible only by boat and give a “primitive” camping style. However, note that it can accommodate only 30 tents.
Facilities and Amenities
The campsite can be reached by using the boat ramp in the Fiddleneck Recreation Area, where visitors can also leave their vehicles.
You will have to use the vault restrooms and trash receptacles available within the campground. There’s also a lantern hook, fire ring, fire pit, and picnic tables.
However, note that the campground doesn’t have drinking water.
Things to do
Water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding are just some of the activities you can do here, along with swimming. Visit the disc golf course between Wrinkle Cove and the Fiddleneck Day Use Area, or go rafting on the Mokelumne River.
You can also try one of the many hiking and equestrian trails or go mountain biking.
Coyote Point Group Campground
This campground has one group camping site suitable for 10 to 50 people. Located east of Valley Springs, CA, you can access it through the Oak Knoll.
Things to do
Like the other campgrounds, Coyote Point offers many recreational activities. You can enjoy a day of activities on the lake, like fishing, water skiing, or boating.
If you decide to visit one of the campground swimming areas in this area of New Hogan Lake, don’t forget to bring tennis shoes. The lake access here is rocky, so caution is advised when entering the lake.
Of course, if you don’t want to be near the water, you can go up the mountains and go hiking, horseback riding, or biking.
Facilities and Amenities
The campground offers 10 picnic tables, 6 fire rings, a picnic shelter with three tables, and no hookups. You can use the large grill to prepare some delicious largemouth bass for the group.
Nearby Oak Knoll Campground, you can find a shower and a dump station. Use of tap water and vault toilets is also open to travelers.
New Hogan Lake Map
Wildlife in New Hogan
You can also see various wildlife in the New Hogan area. The lake’s south shore area is designated for wildlife viewing. If you enjoy observing, check for signs at the park entrance that will point you in the right direction. The locations are easy to find because they are marked with binocular symbols.
Diverse Mammal Species
If you are lucky enough, you might have the opportunity to see a great variety of species – coyote, gray fox, broad-footed mole, blacktail deer, and many more.
The striped skunk and mountain lion also roam the New Hogan area. A harmless animal, the striped skunk, minds its own business unless you disturb it. Mountain lions, on the other hand, are not so peaceful.
Bird watching
There are plenty of bird species that live in this area. Because the bald eagles have made New Hogan their wintering home, you can see them more frequently in the winter months.
You can also observe hawks, pelicans, owls, herons, woodpeckers, and many other birds in their natural habitat.
Snakes
The New Hogan wilderness will not be complete without snakes. Visitors can see many harmless snake species, but the area also has rattlesnakes. Hence, be especially careful when on the trails.
Final Word
New Hogan Lake near Valley Springs is for all families who enjoy weekends in nature. Whether you are into fishing, mountain biking, hunting, or camping, New Hogan has a lot to offer.
Among the campgrounds, Acorn Campground is the primary choice for many visitors; it offers all the facilities and amenities you may need. But if you are more into feeling nature, you can choose anyone, pack your tent, and head to the site.
Be careful – New Hogan in Calaveras County may become your new favorite camping spot.
FAQs
What time does New Hogan Lake open?
The park’s working hours are 8 AM to 10 PM on weekdays. If you come on weekends, you can stay until 11 PM.
Are dogs allowed in New Hogan Lake?
Yes, New Hogan is pet-friendly, and there are no additional pet fees. Size doesn’t matter as long as the dog is on a leash.
Can you kayak in New Hogan Lake?
Yes, kayaking is one of the many recreational activities for visitors to New Hogan. You can also go canoeing, boating, swimming, or enjoy hiking and the equestrian trails.
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