Major Northern California Lakes with Golden Mussel Prevention Measures

A new set of boating restrictions is rolling out across Northern California in response to the discovery of invasive golden mussels. While some lakes remain unaffected, others now require inspections, 30-day quarantines, or even hot-water decontamination before you can launch. In some cases, boat ramps are closed entirely for the 2025 season.

To help you plan your trips and avoid delays (or wasted drives), we’ve compiled a lake-by-lake breakdown of current policies at major Northern California lakes. Whether you're fishing Berryessa, launching at Folsom, or heading to Don Pedro, this guide will tell you exactly what to expect—including where to get your boat sealed, who’s requiring inspections, and which ramps are shut down.

Bookmark this page and check back often—rules are evolving quickly.

1. Folsom Lake & Lake Clementine

• Status: Open with strict prevention protocols.

• Measures:

  • Mandatory 30-day quarantine for all trailered or motorized vessels.

  • Inspections conducted at Beals Point; vessels receive a red quarantine seal.

  • Hot-water decontamination available for immediate launching, resulting in a green seal.

  • Hand-launched, non-motorized watercraft are exempt but must adhere to Clean, Drain, Dry guidelines.

2. Lake Berryessa

• Status: Open with prevention protocols.

• Measures:

  • Mandatory 30-day quarantine or hot-water decontamination required.

  • Inspections and red quarantine seals issued; vessels logged into the Watercraft Inspection Database (WID).

  • Decontamination available at Steel Canyon Recreation Area; fees apply.

  • Sweeney's Sports authorized to apply red quarantine seals.

3. Don Pedro Lake

• Status: Open with self-inspection requirements.

• Measures:

  • Boaters must complete a self-inspection form before launching.

  • Emphasis on Clean, Drain, Dry protocol.

  • No mandatory inspections or quarantines currently in place.(donpedrolake.com)

4. New Bullards Bar Reservoir

• Status: Open with self-inspection requirements.

• Measures:

  • Boaters are urged to self-inspect and ensure vessels are clean, drained, and dry.

  • Fishing contest permits paused to minimize risk.

  • Plans to implement inspections or decontamination stations during the 2025 summer recreation season.

5. Clear Lake

• Status: Open with updated ordinances.

• Measures:

  • Ordinance updated to include golden mussels.

  • Authorities have the legal framework to screen, inspect, and quarantine vessels suspected of carrying golden mussels.(donpedrolake.com, CA State Parks)

6. Lake Shasta

• Status: Open with no current inspections.

• Measures:

  • Boaters are encouraged to stay informed as policies may change.

7. Lake Tahoe

• Status: Open with strict prevention measures.

• Measures:

  • Mandatory inspections and decontaminations for all motorized watercraft entering from other areas.

  • Boats last launched in Lake Tahoe with a Tahoe security seal can re-enter without reinspection.

  • Decontamination fees apply for visiting motorized watercraft.

8. Lake Oroville

• Status: Open with new inspection requirements starting May 19, 2025.

• Measures:

  • Mandatory watercraft inspections required prior to launching at Lake Oroville, Thermalito Forebay, and Thermalito Afterbay.

  • Boaters are encouraged to stay informed as policies may change.(Water Resources California)

9. Lake Camanche & Pardee Reservoir

• Status: Closed to all launching through the 2025 summer season.

• Measures:

  • Boat launches closed to prevent potential golden mussel infestation.

  • Excludes boats with a permanent slip that were in the water or in onsite dry storage when boat launches closed in November 2024.

10. New Melones Lake

• Status: Open with restrictions.

• Measures:

  • 30-day quarantine required; red tag available at Glory Hole Ramp.

  • Decontamination station not yet in service.(Bureau of Reclamation)

Summary for Sweeney's Customers

While some lakes remain open with self-inspection requirements, others have implemented strict quarantine and decontamination protocols or have closed boat launches entirely to prevent the spread of golden mussels. It's crucial for all boaters to adhere to the Clean, Drain, Dry guidelines and stay informed about the specific requirements of each lake before planning their visit.

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official websites of the respective lakes or contact local authorities.