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Merced Irrigation District - Parks and Recreation

The following Park Facilities are OPEN:

  • All Campgrounds and Cabins – OPEN
  • Lake McClure – OPEN
  • Lake McSwain – OPEN
  • Horseshoe Bend Ramp – OPEN
  • Barrett Cove South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point North Ramp – OPEN 

The following Park Facilities are CLOSED

  • McSwain Ramp – TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR DAM MAINTENANCE 3/16 – ?
  • Bagby Ramp – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove North Ramp – CLOSED
  • McClure Point Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Horseshoe Bend Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Marina – CLOSED

Campfires: Wood burning fires are currently PERMITTED only in contained rings and fire safe bins. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted year round

Merced Irrigation District - Parks and Recreation

The following Park Facilities are OPEN:

  • All Campgrounds and Cabins – OPEN
  • Lake McClure – OPEN
  • Lake McSwain – OPEN
  • Horseshoe Bend Ramp – OPEN
  • Barrett Cove South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point South Ramp – OPEN
  • McClure Point North Ramp – OPEN

The following Park Facilities are CLOSED:

  • McSwain Ramp – TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR DAM MAINTENANCE 3/16 – ?
  • Bagby Ramp – CLOSED
  • Barrett North Ramp – CLOSED
  • McClure Point Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Horseshoe Bend Swim Lagoon – CLOSED
  • Barrett Cove Marina – CLOSED

Campfires: WOOD BURNING FIRES PERMITTED. Propane and charcoal fires are permitted year round.

Fishing at Lake McClure

Fisher showing fresh catch

Fishing at Lake McClure

Lake McClure is renowned for its excellent lake population of varied fish species. Recognized by the bass fishing community for its good fishing throughout the year. There are also and popular spots for trolling and shore fishing where large trophy fish can easily be caught for a perfect prize photo. With the lake’s rocky points being great habitats for bass and the deep water being great spots for salmon and trout trollers, Lake McClure is full of some of the best fishing areas.

Fishing at Lake McSwain

Known for hosting a large variety of native and other trout species, Lake McSwain is home of Merced’s annual Trout Fishing Derby. Thanks to the lake’s speed limit of 10MPH, fish at Lake McSwain live in a calm and peaceful fishing environment, making the fishing experience here far more relaxing than any other.

Boy holding fish

Annual Spring & Fall Trout Derby

Lake McSwain hosts an annual Trout Fishing Derby twice every year! Family friendly and ever-popular, please join us in April for our spring derby and in October for our fall derby.

Great Spots to Fish

A popular spot amongst the bass fishermen community, the Merced River Arm offers reliable good fishing throughout the year. If you’re looking to catch a specific species of fish: aim for rocky points for bass and deep water, especially near the dam in the main body of the lake, for salmon and trout trollers. Other popular areas by Horseshoe Bend, down the narrows to Barrett Cove, and east of the dam in Cotton Creek Branch.

Rainbow trout caught by Maria Haro

Community Gallery

This rainbow trout was caught by Maria Haro from Merced. Weighing in at 10 pounds and at 29 inches, it was caught at McClure Point in Lake McClure.

Did you catch something great at our lakes too?
Send us photos and tales of your fishing adventures and we will make you a star in our photo gallery!
Submit your photos to: photosandstories@mercedid.org

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