PARK UPDATES
Woodward Reservoir Operations Updates can be found HERE
Fox Grove Park: Parking lot project and electric gate installation projects currently in process. The park remains open except for the following days:
9/29 thru 9/30 at 12:00pm
10/6 thru 10/7 at 12:00pm
10/13 thru 10/16 at 12:00pm
Please plan your trip accordingly.
Laird Park: New parking lot and roadway improvements are currently in process. The park remains open, but you may experience delays. Please plan your trip accordingly.
Body-to-Water Contact- South San Joaquin Irrigation District has notified us that effective Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 body-to-water contact will NOT be permitted at Woodward Reservoir. You can find more information about this restriction HERE.
February 24, 2026 - Notice of Bridge Closures. Effective immediately, both Basso and Old La Grange Pedestrian Bridges are closed to the public. Recent inspections identified critical maintenance needs at both locations. Due to potential safety risks, the bridges will remain closed until necessary repairs are completed. Thank you for your understanding.
CURRENT BOATING REQUIREMENTS
Motorized Vessel (includes Jet skis) inspections, banding and 30-day quarantine at both Modesto and Woodward Reservoirs are available by appointment only, Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Inspection & Banding Requirements:
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Appointments are available at both Modesto and Woodward Reservoirs 8:00AM - 3:00PM Tuesday-Thursday
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30-Day Yellow Bands and Daily Blue Bands will be available during these hours only.
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All boats must be Clean, Drained, and Dry to qualify for inspection and banding.
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A valid Quagga Mussel Stamp is required for each vessel.
To schedule an appointment please contact:
Modesto Reservoir (209) 874-9540
Woodward Reservoir (209)847-3304
Please plan accordingly and help protect our water bodies.
Thank you for your cooperation!
NEWS
Turlock Lake State Recreation Area, March 3, 2026: Stanislaus County, Turlock Irrigation District, and California State Parks today announced the approval of an agreement to operate Turlock Lake State Recreation Area (SRA)
Future recreation at Turlock Lake SRA will offer family-friendly recreation with a waterpark, picnicking, fishing, swimming, non-motorized boating such as kayaking and canoeing, small engine motorized boating, and seasonal waterfowl hunting. The park may reopen as soon as summer 2027. Press release can be found HERE.
PRESS RELEASES
March 3, 2026: Stanislaus County Parks & Recreation to operate Turlock Lake State Recreation Area READ HERE
June 4, 2025: Expanded Boat Inspection Hours at Modesto Reservoir READ HERE
May 30, 2025: Updates to Boating Schedule and Inspection Procedures at Modesto Reservoir READ HERE
April 11, 2025: Boating Access Suspended at Woodward Reservoir, Inspections Protocols in Place at Modesto Reservoir in Response to Golden Mussel READ HERE