Camanche Dam, Embankment dam in San Joaquin County, United States.
Camanche Dam is an embankment dam in San Joaquin County that spans the Mokelumne River and creates a large water reservoir. The structure serves multiple purposes including flood control, water supply for farming, and recreation like fishing, boating, and camping.
The dam was built between 1963 and 1964 by the East Bay Municipal Utility District, flooding a small town that had existed since California's Gold Rush era. This construction marked a major shift in how water was managed and supplied to the surrounding region.
The name comes from a misspelling of the Comanche Native American tribe during California's early settlement era. Walking around the reservoir, you can learn how this naming mistake became permanent in the region.
The reservoir is open year-round for recreation and offers access at various points along the shoreline. Water levels can change seasonally, so visitors should plan accordingly and check local rules for fishing and boating activities.
The dam features the world's largest artificial salmon spawning channel, specifically engineered to support local fish populations. This engineering feature shows how infrastructure projects can be designed to protect wildlife.
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