Fishing & Father’s Day go together like summer and sunshine, and Calaveras lakes and rivers have something for every angler of every age and experience. Enjoy your day from the boat or the shore, with a professional guide or a peaceful day on your own, on one of Calaveras’ gorgeous lakes or on the Stanislaus or Mokelumne Rivers.
2025 FREE FISHING DAYS IN CALIFORNIA – July 5th & August 30th
Lakes
New Hogan Lake
LOCATION: Part of the Valley Springs tri-lake area, 30 miles east of Stockton.
ACTIVITIES: New Hogan Lake is the perfect place for fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
LOCALS TIPS: Grab a bite at one of Valley Spring’s outstanding restaurants including craft beer and burgers at Brew’Gers or Hawg Dawgs Bar and Grill. Work up a sweat at La Contenta Golf Club, before you cool down at this luscious lake.
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes, while on a leash no longer than 6′ and attended at all times
WHAT’S BITING: Stripers, Bass, Trout, Crappie, Catfish, Bluegill
Lake Camanche
LOCATION: Another lake in the Valley Springs tri-lake area, Lake Camanche has 54 miles of shoreline and 7,700 surface acres of water.
ACTIVITIES: Lake Camanche provides all kinds of family-friendly fun with tent, RV, group, and equestrian camping, or choose from one of their adorable cottages or vacation home rentals. Fishing, boating, and even weddings all happen at this beautiful lake.
LOCALS TIPS: Get your boat and gear rental at the Marina Stores located on both the North Shore and South Shore of Lake Camanche. Load up on some great food and drinks in Valley Springs at La Contenta Golf Club Bar & Grill.
DOG FRIENDLY: Dogs are welcome on a 6′ leash and must be attended at all times.
WHAT’S BITING: Rainbow trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and Spotted Bass
New Melones
LOCATION: Glory Hole Recreation Area or Tuttletown Recreation Area off of Highway 49 three to five miles south of Angels Camp, CA
ACTIVITIES: Boat launches, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming. NOTE: New Melones Lake has a boat quarantine of 30 days. Please contact the Bureau of Reclamation at 209-459-7290 for details.
LOCALS TIPS: Rent kayaks from On the Lake Kayaks, or any size of boat and watercraft at New Melones Lake Marina. Grab a sandwich to go at The Pickled Porch Cafe or the incredible tacos at Cascabels in downtown Angels Camp.
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes!
WHAT’S BITING: Rainbow and Brown Trout, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Kokanee Salmon, and Channel Catfish.
White Pines Lake
LOCATION: Located of Blagen Road in Arnold, CA, this sweet little mountain lake is a great place to bring the whole family to fish, picnic, and swim.
ACTIVITIES: Fishing, non-motorized watercraft, swimming, beach picnics
LOCALS TIPS: Stop in to see Bill at Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods in Arnold to find out everything about fishing in the area. You can get everything you need from a license to gear to knowledgable info on what’s biting, when and where.
In the summer, check out the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum and let the kids play on the playground by the lake. The Arnold Rim Trail is right here for great hiking, mountain biking, and equestrians. Check out Bistro Espresso for coffee to go or head to Giant Burger for a to-go lunch at the lake.
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes!
WHAT’S BITING: Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass
Lake Alpine
LOCATION: Highway 4 just past Bear Valley
FEATURES: Shoreline fishing, non-motorized, small watercraft like canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. These can be rented at the Lake Alpine Resort right on the lake or at Sierra Nevada Adventure Company in Arnold.
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash no longer than 6′ and attended at all times
WHAT’S BITING: Rainbow Trout
Spicer, Union, and Utica Reservoirs
LOCATION: Each reservoir is located about an hour and a half from Angels Camp. Take highway 4 east from Angels Camp for each reservoir and each reservoir is about a half hour off the highway. There are plenty of small streams along the way you might want to check out, as well.
FEATURES: Great for camping, boating, swimming, and fishing. Spicer has the best options for boat ramps, Union has a small, unimproved boat ramp for small boats, and while Utica does not have a boat ramp, it is popular for small water crafts like canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Small watercraft can be rented at Sierra Nevada Adventure Company in Arnold, CA.
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes!
WHAT’S BITING: Rainbow and Brown trout and bull-head catfish
Stanislaus River
Calaveras Big Trees State Park – Drive into the park to the South Grove that crosses the Stanislaus River. Great place to fish for Rainbow Trout.
Board’s Crossing and Sourgrass – About 4 1/2 miles past Big Trees State Park, turn right onto Board’s Crossing Road to get to the North Fork of the river. Another great place for Rainbow Trout. There is a day use and camping area available at this scenic river. Watch for rapidly moving water, especially in the spring, and by late summer and early fall the river tends to slow down a little bit.
Outfitters and Experts
Angels Camp: Kyle Wise at Headhunter Sportsfishing
Arnold, Bear Valley, Camp Connell, Dorrington: Ebbetts Pass Sporting Goods, The Trout Spot
Murphys: SNAC – Sierra Nevada Adventure Company
Copperopolis: Gateway Adventure Company
Valley Springs: Lake Camanche Resort and Marina
Local Fishing Guides: