Camanche Reservoir, Water reservoir in the Sierra Foothills, California, US

Camanche Reservoir is an artificial lake on the Mokelumne River where Amador, Calaveras and San Joaquin counties meet, held back by Camanche Dam, completed in 1963. Its irregular shoreline of narrow inlets and rounded peninsulas encloses deep teal water dotted with small pale tan islands; the surrounding land is dry tan and brown.

Camanche Dam was finished in 1963, creating the reservoir and submerging the town of Camanche, which gave the lake its name. The dam stores Mokelumne River water for municipal and industrial supply and for flood control. The Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery was built downstream the same year to restore salmon and steelhead spawning.

The reservoir is a gathering place for fishing and boating enthusiasts who spend their leisure time on the water and along its shores. Local communities have built their recreational traditions around the lake and its resources.

The area around the lake has many camping and parking options with basic amenities like showers and restrooms available. The best time to visit is outside the hottest summer months when the water is more enjoyable.

The lake receives regular deposits of fish between fall and early summer months to support populations for fishing. This restocking practice has become essential to maintaining the recreation opportunities that draw visitors.