2026 Tulloch Reservoir Updates and Operating Notices
For updates on Tulloch Reservoir Campground closure – (See FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) - Tri-Dam Project )
2026 Tulloch Reservoir Updates and Operating Notices
Banding procedures will continue consistent with the prior season.
Notice to Reservoir Users – Boating Requirements at Tulloch Reservoir
To protect Tulloch Reservoir from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), all vessel inspections, decontamination, and banding must be completed only by Tri-Dam-approved providers.
All vessel launching on Tulloch Reservoir must occur exclusively through designated launch sites authorized under the AIS Prevention Program. In alignment with current AIS protocols, launching from private properties or any unauthorized locations is strictly prohibited.
We appreciate your continued cooperation in helping safeguard Tulloch Reservoir.
Boating Requirements at Tulloch Reservoir
The following measures help reduce the risk of introducing Golden Mussels and other aquatic nuisance species by confirming that watercraft and equipment have been properly cleaned, drained, and dried.
- All motorized vessels must arrive Clean, Drained, and Dry.
- Motorized vessels must launch from Tri-Dam-approved facilities.
- All trailered vessels are subject to inspection and must adhere to program requirements (see Banding Requirements below).
- To ensure your vessel is properly recorded and eligible for launch, please request a text or digital receipt confirming that your band has been entered into the national database.
- A California Boater Card is required for anyone operating a vessel.
- All watercraft launched in Tulloch Reservoir must display a current Tri-Dam sticker or have an issued day pass from an approved launching location. This is in addition to the State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) sticker that serves as proof of the State's mussel fee payment.
Public Launch Access
Drifters Grill and Marina is an approved launch facility. Please contact Drifters Grill and Marina directly for current access, launch availability, and hours of operation.
The Tuolumne County-operated campground boat launch is the primary public access point but is currently closed. For updates regarding reopening, please contact Tuolumne County directly.
Non-Motorized Watercraft
The following non-motorized watercraft are not required to be banded but must complete a Tulloch Non-Motorized Watercraft Self-Certification Permit prior to launching:
- Kayaks
- Canoes
- Paddleboards
- Rowboats
- Float tubes
- Inflatable watercraft
- Rafts
- Wind surfers/boards
- Boogie boards
- Non-motorized paddle boats
- Non-motorized sailboats 8 feet or less in length
Prior to launching, users must:
- Review the list of known invasive mussel and aquatic invasive species (AIS) infested waters;
- Inspect their watercraft and ensure it is Clean, Drained, and Dry;
- Complete the self-certification permit; and
- Return the completed certification portion to a designated self-inspection kiosk or participating HOA, as applicable.
Tulloch Reservoir Non-Motorized Watercraft Self-Certification Permit
Tulloch Reservoir Self-Inspection form 2026.pdfVessel Stickers and Day Passes
Tri-Dam vessel stickers are issued ONLY to eligible Tulloch lakefront property owners.
They are NOT available to the general public. The general public will be issued a day-use launch pass when launching at a designated launch site.
All vessels must either:
- Display a valid Tri-Dam sticker; OR
- Have a valid day-use launch pass from an approved facility.
This is separate from the State DMV mussel fee sticker.
Tulloch - Non HOA Lakefront Property Owners - Vessel Sticker Request - Tri-Dam Project
Banding Acceptance
Banding Requirements
- Only Tulloch-issued 30-day quarantine bands and Tulloch re-entry bands that can be verified in the national banding database will be honored.
- 30-day or re-entry bands from other waterbodies are not accepted at this time.
- Vessels with an existing re-entry band from the previous season may continue to be recognized, provided the band remains intact and verifiable.
Approved Decontamination Reciprocity –
New Melones to Tulloch
- Boaters may take their vessels to New Melones to complete an approved decontamination.
- Once decontaminated, a band will be issued, and vessels may proceed to Tulloch Reservoir for same-day entry.
- Additionally, ensure your vessel is properly recorded and eligible for launch in the national database by requesting a text or digital receipt at the time of service.
- The vessel must not be launched into another waterbody before entering Tulloch Reservoir or the decontamination will no longer be valid.
- Please be sure to call ahead to confirm availability of decontamination services.
- This is a one-way agreement and applies to decontamination only. A 30-day quarantine band or re-entry band from New Melones does not qualify for entry at Tulloch.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Important Update: See Reservoir Updates and Operating Notices - Tri-Dam Project
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Invasive Non-Native Golden Mussel
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