- Lake Oroville is nearly full at 99 percent capacity.
- Free inspections are now required before launching any watercraft.
- Three popular ramps will change their hours of operation beginning June 16.
- Trails near the Diversion Pool will remain closed for a year.
- Officials discussed new weather forecasting tools at the June 13 meeting.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 — Lake Oroville is currently at 99 percent of its total capacity, holding approximately 3.39 million acre-feet of water as of June 12, 2025. This puts the reservoir at 123 percent of its historical average for this time of year, according to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR)
. As summer recreation peaks, DWR has also announced new boating restrictions, trail closures, and public safety updates.
Mandatory Boat Inspections to Prevent Golden Mussel Spread.
To protect the State Water Project from invasive species, DWR is now requiring mandatory watercraft inspections before launching at Lake Oroville, Thermalito Forebay, and Thermalito Afterbay. The inspections are free and take place daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at North Thermalito Forebay near Garden Drive and Highway 70.
Boats must be clean and completely dry. According to DWR, “Watercraft with ballast bags/tanks, bilge, and motors must have a working battery and be operational to complete required inspections.” Since the program began on May 16, more than 3,200 vessels have been inspected. Sealed watercraft will be allowed to launch at designated ramps only and during limited hours.
Changes to Ramp Hours Started Yesterday.
Beginning Monday, June 16, launch times will shift at three major boat ramps. The Lime Saddle and Loafer Creek ramps will open earlier at 5 a.m., while Bidwell Canyon will open later, at 7:30 a.m. Other facilities—including the Spillway ramp and Thermalito sites—retain their existing hours for now. All ramps close at 10 p.m., except for the Thermalito Afterbay, which closes one hour after sunset, and the Thermalito Forebay, which closes at 7:30 p.m.
Power and Fiber Line Upgrades Close Trails.
Work is underway to replace critical power and fiber optic lines supporting the Hyatt Powerplant and Thermalito Diversion Dam. Construction near the Lakeland Boulevard Trailhead is expected to last through the end of June. During this time, portions of the Dan Beebe and Brad Freeman Trails near the Diversion Pool will remain closed for public safety. These closures may continue for up to one year.
DWR urges motorists along Oro Dam Boulevard East to “slow down and be alert for construction vehicles and equipment entering and exiting work areas.”
Public Engagement and Climate Forecasting Highlight Commission Meeting.
The 20th meeting of the Oroville Dam Citizens Advisory Commission also took place on June 13. The Commission received presentations on emerging weather forecasting tools, including findings from the Yuba-Feather Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) Final Viability Assessment.
The meeting also featured updates from the California Nevada River Forecast Center and discussion of the Commission’s upcoming 2025 Legislative Report. Transcripts and additional information will be posted on the Commission’s website in the coming weeks.
Visitor Center and Outdoor Recreation Offer Summer Options.
The Lake Oroville Visitor Center remains open to the public with free parking and admission. It features interpretive displays, a 47-foot observation tower, and guided tours for school and community groups. Trail maps are available online and at most entrance kiosks.
Anglers can enjoy both warm- and cold-water fishing throughout the lake, but should check current regulations with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Marinas at Lime Saddle and Bidwell Canyon remain open with fuel, supplies, and rentals.
Fish Monitoring and River Flows.
Between January 1 and June 10, 2025, monitoring at the Feather River Fish Station recorded 16,926 spring-run Chinook salmon and 167 steelhead. Some data may be incomplete due to high river flows earlier this year, which temporarily displaced equipment.
Feather River flows through Oroville are currently 850 cubic feet per second, with an additional 3,650 cubic feet per second released from the Thermalito Afterbay for a total downstream release of 4,500 cubic feet per second.
Reservoir and stream data are available at the California Data Exchange Center. The Lake Oroville gage station is identified as “ORO.”
Image:
Via the California Department of Water Resources news release: “An aerial view shows high water conditions at Lime Saddle Marina at Lake Oroville in Butte County, California.”
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