Important Update:  See Reservoir Updates and Operating Notices  - Tri-Dam Project

Please note: Approved launching locations at Tulloch Reservoir will only accept quarantine bands applied prior to April 16, 2025, and only if the band can be verified in the inspection database. Now that the reservoir has reopened and Tulloch’s designated banding locations are operational, bands issued by other participating reservoirs on or after April 16, 2025, will no longer be accepted.   Before visiting, please refer to the Banding Locations - Tri-Dam Project page to confirm your launch site is approved.    All vessels must now comply with the banding and inspection process established specifically for Tulloch.

Is there a timeline for when the reservoir will reopen?
As of April 16th,  2025 the reservoir has reopened.  For approved banding location see Banding Locations - Tri-Dam Project

 Has the Golden Mussel been found on Tulloch Reservior?
No, there have been no findings of the Golden Mussel on Tulloch.  The closure was implemented as a precautionary measure until a robust plan is in place to ensure a safe reopening.

Can I use non-motorized watercraft equipment on Tulloch? Are there special requirements for non-motorized watercraft? 
Yes, paddleboards, small canoes without motors, and kayaks are currently permitted.  However, please note self-inspection forms are required when using non-motorized watercrafts.  Please see Self-Inspection Permit - Tri-Dam Project

Is the public launch, on the Tuolumne County side located at the South Shore campground, open?    
Currently the public boat launch is closed.  For all questions concerning public boat launch access at South Shore please contact Tuolumne County at 209-533-5511

I am lakefront property resident but  I am not associated with an HOA; can I request a sticker for vessels that allows my vessel to be on Tulloch?

Yes. Once your vessel has completed all Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) banding protocols and is ready to launch from a Tri-Dam approved location, you may request a seasonal Tulloch sticker directly through the Tri-Dam website. Please review the full requirements and submit your request  Tulloch - Lakefront Vessel Sticker Request - Tri-Dam Project.  However, please note that there is currently no public boat launch available. Tri-Dam is actively working with Tuolumne County to explore options for them to reopen public access in the future.

I am a lakefront property owner in a non-HOA and have mutliple vessels.  My Tri-Dam approved dock permit allows for one boat and up to two jet skis however, I have multiple vessels that I would like to use can I request multiple stickers?  

Yes, the property owner who has an approved Tri-Dam dock permit can request more than three stickers as long as the vessels are registered to the property owner or to the address of lakefront property. 

What side of my vessel should the Tri-Dam sticker be placed? 

Vessel stickers should typically be placed on the port (left) side of the boat, near the registration numbers. However, it's best to follow any specific placement instructions provided by your HOA compliance, if applicable. 

How does the banding system work?
The vessel will need to arrive at the designated banding location cleaned, drained, and dry. Please ensure this is done prior to arrival. Once a vessel is inspected, a 30-day quarantine seal will be applied. The vessel cannot launch in the water body for a period of 30 days, allowing time for any mussels or invasive species to die off if present.

How do I get my vessel inspected and receive the quarantine band?
Vessels must be inspected at designated approved location . The inspection will involve checking for signs of invasive species, including mussels, and ensuring the vessel is clean, drained, and dry. If the vessel passes inspection, a quarantine seal will be applied.

What is the purpose of the 30-day quarantine for vessels?
The 30-day quarantine is a preventive measure designed to stop the spread of invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels and most recently the Golden Mussel. These species can cause significant damage to aquatic ecosystems, infrastructure, and local economies. The quarantine ensures vessels are free of these invasive species before launching in certain water bodies.

What are the criteria for bringing in a vessel for inspection?
Before arriving at a designated banding location, vessels must be clean, drained, and dry. Additionally, boater should have proof of registration, a valid CF number, a mussel sticker on the vessel, and a boater’s card for verification.

Can I still use my vessel during the 30-day quarantine period?
No. During the quarantine period, vessels cannot be launched in the water body where the inspection was conducted. The quarantine is in place to prevent contamination of the lake or water source.

I have completed my 30-day quarantine period, can I go to other reservoirs as long as I get a band? 

No, Tulloch banding is specific to Tulloch only. While Tulloch and other reservoirs could both utilize the WID (Watercraft Inspection Database) system, they are managed by different agencies and operate under separate Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention programs. Tulloch Reservoir is operated by the Tri-Dam Project, while other are managed by other agencies.

Q: If my vessel is brand new or has been dry-docked all season, does it still have to go through the banding process?

A: Yes, all vessels must adhere to the banding process, regardless of whether they are new or have been dry-docked all season.

What happens after the 30-day quarantine period?
After the 30-day quarantine period ends, the vessel can be inspected again. If found free of invasive species, the quarantine seal will be removed, and the vessel will be allowed to launch in the water body without restriction.

Can I use another reservoirs same day decon band to access multiple reservoirs?

No. Bands are not transferable between reservoirs. Each waterbody operates its own Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) prevention program with unique protocols, tracking systems, and risk assessments. Tulloch Reservoir only honors bands issued through its own program.  30-day quarantine bands issued by another reservoir prior to April 16, 2025, may be accepted only if they can be verified in the inspection database.

I got a 30-day band from another reservoir.  Will Tulloch Reservoir still honor it?
Tulloch will honor 30-day bands issued prior to April 16, 2025, only if the band can be verified in the inspection database. For a list of Tulloch approved launching locations, please visit our designated sites website page.

Can I re-band my vessel if it has already met the 30-day quarantine period?
Yes. If your vessel has completed the 30-day quarantine and has been inspected, you can exit the water, the vessel must be re-banded in order to return at a later date without needing to go through the full quarantine process again. 

What do the different color bands mean?
There will be two types of bands used for different purposes:

• Red Band: Issued for vessels under a 30-day quarantine. This indicates that the vessel is prohibited from launching in the water body until the quarantine period has passed.
• Green Band: Issued for vessels that have undergone re-banding. This allows the vessel to return to the water without requiring waiting an additional 30-day quarantine, as long as the banding is recorded in the WID platform.

If I leave and return, do I need to wait an additional 30 days?
No. Once your vessel has completed the initial 30-day quarantine as long as you are re-banded, you will not need to wait an additional 30 days upon returning. The re-banding allows you to launch without going through the full quarantine process again, provided the seal remains intact and no issues with invasive species are found.

What if my boat is dry-docked, and I never take it anywhere but Tulloch?
Even if your boat is dry-docked and only used at Tulloch, you are still required to follow the same protocols as other vessels. This includes inspection, banding, and adherence to the 30-day quarantine process. These protocols are in place to prevent the spread of invasive species to the lake, regardless of the frequency or location of boat use.

What if my boat is brand new and has never been in the water?
Even if your boat is brand new and has never been in the water, it still needs to undergo inspection and receive a 30-day quarantine band. All boats must go through the inspection and banding process to ensure they are free of any potential contaminants.

Does a small sailboat on a trailer with no motor or compartments need to be inspected?
Yes, a sailboat with no motor, no compartments, and no CF number is generally considered low risk, similar to kayaks or canoes. However, because it is transported on a trailer, it still requires self-inspection. At this time, trailered vessels cannot launch until the lake reopens and the 30-day banding program is fully implemented. Once operational, these types of vessels will likely move through inspection quickly, but they must still wait for the official program launch to proceed.

How long will the banding process take?
The banding process typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes per vessel, depending on the size and condition of the boat. This includes inspection, application of the quarantine seal, and any necessary paperwork. However, please note that wait times may vary based on the number of vessels being processed at the time.

What is the WID platform, and how does it work?
The WID (Watercraft Inspection Database) platform is a centralized system designed to capture your CF number and trailer license plate number, allowing authorized personnel to look up your vessel’s information. Note that no personal information will be shared through this system. If a nearby lake or reservoir is using the same platform, your vessel’s banding information will be accessible, which means that if your vessel has been issued a 30-day quarantine band, it is likely that the banding will be honored at other participating locations, as long as it is recorded in the system and can be verified. 

Can I launch my vessel at another location during the quarantine period?
No. The vessel must remain quarantined and cannot launch in any other water bodies during the 30-day period unless it undergoes a decontamination procedure and receives clearance.

Is there a way to bypass the 30-day quarantine period?
Yes. In some cases, vessels can bypass the 30-day quarantine if they undergo a decontamination process, typically involving hot-water treatments. Currently, we do not have a decontamination station on Tulloch, but we are working towards developing a plan with the South Shore campground on utilizing the boat decontamination station, fees would apply.  This will likely not be in operation when the banding begins as we will need to work out the details of the plan.  Only authorized trained personnel can perform these same day decontamination ensuring the vessel is clean and safe for launch sooner than the full 30-day quarantine period.

Do out-of-state boaters need a California Boater Card?
Out-of-state boaters who are temporarily operating a vessel in California for less than 60 days and meet the boating requirements of their home state are not required to obtain a California Boater Card.

What should I do if my vessel is found with invasive species?
If invasive species are found during the inspection, the vessel owner will be given instructions on how to proceed with the decontamination process.

Will my vessel stay at the banding location during the quarantine?
No, once the vessel is banded, it must be taken with you. We do not hold vessels at the inspection location during the quarantine period. It is your responsibility to manage your vessel during the 30-day period.

What happens if I need to get my vessel re-banded?
If the quarantine seal is broken or damaged, you will need to return to the inspection station for the quarantine process to restart and get reinspected and re-banding. It is important to ensure the seal remains intact during the 30-day period to maintain the quarantine status.

Will I be charged for banding?
Depending on the location, a fee may apply for the banding process. Please check with the inspection station for specific fee details.

Have fishing tournaments been cancelled?
Yes, all fishing tournaments have been cancelled until further notice.