Lakes McClure and McSwain Parks and Recreation

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Lakes McClure and McSwain Parks and Recreation

Whether you like to fish, boat, swim, camp or just want to enjoy a day at the lake, Lakes McClure and McSwain offer some of California's best in water recr

06/10/2026

🏕️ Your campsite = your front row seat 🎆

Skip the drive home and experience the fireworks right from camp at Lake McClure. Nothing beats ending the night under the stars after the show.

⛺ Limited camping still available at Barrett Cove, Horseshoe Bend, and Bagby.
🌙 Stay, relax, and wake up at the lake

🎆 Show included with your camping reservation
🔥 Make it more than just a night - make it a getaway

Spots won’t last long for the holiday weekend - book ahead and lock it in.

Please note that the Lights on the Lake firework show’s primary viewing area is located at McClure Point. The show can also be seen from the south launch ramp parking lot at Barrett Cove and the end of the M Loop at Barrett Cove. The show is not visible from Lake McSwain, Horseshoe Bend, or Bagby.

06/06/2026

SURPRISE TROUT PLANT AT LAKE YOSEMITE! 🎣🐟

We switched things up this time.

Last night, Friday, June 5, at approximately 9:30 PM, 2,560 lbs. of trout were planted at the Lake Yosemite Main Launch Ramp while the park was closed, giving the fish the night to spread out before anglers hit the water. 🌙

We also added a smaller bonus load in a secret location, so you never know where the next bite might be. 👀🎣

Make Lake Yosemite part of your Saturday or Sunday plans and come enjoy a weekend at the lake. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, swimming, walking, having a picnic, or just hanging out by the water, there’s plenty to do out here. ☀️🚣‍♂️🏊‍♀️

Pack the poles, bring the family, and come spend the weekend at Lake Yosemite! 🐟🌊

06/04/2026

🎆 Lights on the Lake returns to Lake McClure!

Join us Saturday, July 4th, 2026 for an unforgettable fireworks show over the water. Whether you’re spending the whole day at the lake or just coming in for the show, it’s one of the best nights of the summer.

⚠️ On July 4, all MID Parks will operate under Lights on the Lake event pricing. Standard day-use passes will not be available. A Lights on the Lake pass is required for entry into any MID Park.

🚗 $25 per vehicle when you pre-purchase through Yodel
🚗 Limited same-day tickets: $30 at the gate (expect delays)
🎫 Free entry for annual passholders
🕘 Fireworks begin at dusk (~9 PM)
🕢 Park entrance closes at 7:30 PM - no entry after
📍 Viewing at McClure Point (opens at 6 PM - fills fast!)

Skip the line - pre-purchase is highly recommended.
Bring your crew, your chairs, and get ready for a night to remember. ✨

Pre-purchase link in bio.

05/06/2026

🎣 Trout Are In - Lake Yosemite 🎣

Today’s plant is complete! We stocked 3,360 lbs of trout this afternoon, 5/6/2025, at Lake Yosemite 🐟

Huge thanks to Calaveras Trout Farm for another quality load - these fish are ready to bite 👀

Now that the closure has lifted, the lake is fully open and it’s game on. Whether you’re fishing from shore or boat, conditions are set up for a great bite heading into the evening and the next few days.

If you made it out today, post your catch and tag us 📸

Good luck out there and tight lines 🎣

05/05/2026

🎣 Fish Plant Update! 🐟

This past Sunday (5/3), Calaveras completed a trout plant just in time for some great spring fishing!

✔️ 2,240 lbs of trout were stocked into Lake McSwain
✔️ 1,120 lbs of trout were stocked into Lake McClure at McClure Point

It was great fishing for some of our local Scouts who were visiting - getting to see the fish plant up close made for a pretty memorable day!

And we know… we didn’t announce this one ahead of time. 😅 Sometimes it’s fun to keep a little element of surprise - we’ll keep mixing it up!

And don’t worry… there are still PLENTY of fish left in the lakes waiting to be caught. Grab your gear and get out there!

05/01/2026

🚨 Fish Plant Incoming - Lake Yosemite 🚨

We’re stocking trout on Wednesday, May 6th at 1PM at Lake Yosemite🐟

🎣 We’ll be stocking 3,360 lbs of trout from Calaveras Trout Farm

Based on previous plants, the launch ramp area will be CLOSED from park opening (7:30AM) until 2PM during the plant.

🚫 No boat launching will be permitted until after 2PM
🚫 No foot traffic or shore fishing will be allowed within the closed area during this time
✅ Fishing outside of the closure area is permitted all day

➡️ A map of the closure area is shown on the next slide
This helps ensure a smooth plant and a better experience for everyone planning to fish after the plant.

🚔 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be on site during the plant checking fishing licenses and ensuring regulations are followed. Park Rangers will also be actively patrolling.

⚠️ Anyone entering the closed area during the listed times will be asked to leave the park.

Plan ahead, follow the closure, and get ready for some great fishing 🎣

04/30/2026

🎣 Spring Classic Lake McSwain Trout Derby Recap🎣

What a great turnout for our Spring Trout Derby!

🐟 A total of 18 tagged fish were caught during the event, with participants winning everything from cabin and camping stays to annual passes and Splash n Dash passes 🙌

And the fun isn’t over yet…

👀 There are still tagged fish in the lake!

If you catch one, bring it (with the tag) to an entrance station or Park Ranger to either:

🎟️ Have your day-use fee refunded
—or—
🎟️ Receive a free day pass for your next visit

This was our second derby using tagged fish, and we’d love to hear from you:

💬 Do you prefer the tagged fish format, or should we go back to FishDonkey / measurement-based competitions?

Drop your feedback in the comments ⬇️

Thanks to everyone who came out - we love seeing the lake full and the lines tight 🎣

P.S. Stay tuned for our next post, with information on Lake Yosemite’s upcoming trout stock!

04/17/2026

⏰🎣 Spring Classic Trout Derby - Tomorrow! 🎣⏰

The Spring Classic Trout Derby at Lake McSwain is happening tomorrow, Saturday, April 18th!

🚗 Save time at the gate!
Pre-purchase your vehicle pass online through the Yodel Portal (click “Park Passes” on LakeMcClure.com → Events).

Full event details can also be found on our website under Events.

🎣 Important Derby Rules:
• NO fishing before 7:00 AM on April 18, 2026
• Tagged fish must have the tag attached to redeem a surprise
• All participants must follow California Department of Fish & Wildlife regulations
• Participants must pay the $20 vehicle entry fee or qualify for free entry
• Tagged fish caught after the derby ends (3 PM) may be turned in for a day pass

🎁 Remember - catch a tagged fish and turn it in during the derby for a chance at a surprise prize!

Get ready for a great day on the water - we’ll see you bright and early! 🌅🎣

04/08/2026

🌷🎣 Spring Classic Trout Derby at Lake McSwain 🎣🌷

Grab your rods and join us for a classic day of fishing, family fun, and friendly competition at Lake McSwain!

This year’s Spring Classic Trout Derby keeps things simple - just show up, fish, and enjoy the day on the water. No special registration and no FishDonkey app. Just good old-fashioned fishing.

📅 Saturday, April 18
⏰ Derby Fishing Window: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

🚗 Park Entry:
• $20 per vehicle at the Lake McSwain Entrance Station
• Boat/trailer fees remain standard ($9 regular · $8 discounted)
• Your vehicle entry includes derby participation for everyone in the car

🏕 Passholders & Campers:
Annual passholders and registered campers can participate at no additional cost.

🎁 Catch a Tagged Fish – Win a Surprise!
Turn in a tag from a caught fish between 7 AM – 3 PM for a randomly drawn prize such as:
• Cabin stays
• Camping stays
• Annual vehicle & boat passes
• Splash-n-Dash passes
• And more!

Free vehicle entry for active/veteran military, first responders, and Merced/Mariposa County students with valid ID.

Skip the line! Vehicle passes can be pre-purchased through the Yodel Portal.

🎣 Whether you’re chasing a prize fish or just enjoying a day on the lake, the Spring Classic is the perfect way to welcome the season.

We’ll see you on the water!

🎣🌷

04/03/2026

🚨 Fish Plant Incoming – Lake Yosemite 🚨

We’re stocking trout this Monday, 4/6 at 10AM 🐟

Based on your feedback, the launch ramp area will be CLOSED from 7AM until 11AM during the plant.
🚫 No boat launching will be permitted until after 11AM.
🚫 No foot traffic or shore fishing will be allowed within the closed area during this time.

➡️ A map of the closure area is shown on the next slide.

This helps ensure a smooth plant and a better experience for everyone planning to fish after the plant.

🚔 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be on site during the plant checking fishing licenses and ensuring regulations are followed. Park Rangers will also be actively patrolling.

⚠️ Anyone entering the closed area during the listed times will be asked to leave the park.

Also, in case you missed it… our “sleeping trout” post was an April Fools joke 😄
🌙 Night fishing is still permitted at Lake McSwain and Lake McClure.

Plan ahead, follow the closure, and get ready for some great fishing 🎣

Address

Snelling, CA
95329

Website

http://www.lakemcclure.com/

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