Tulloch Lake serves as an afterbay for New Melones Reservoir, receiving its water from the New Melones Dam at its northeastern end. The result is a beautiful 50 miles of shoreline teeming with various fish species.

Tulloch Lake is considered a top spot in Central Valley for smallmouth bass fishing. These fish usually become active early in the spring and are commonly grouped around points and submerged rock formations, suspended up to 20 feet deep.

The lake features a promising trout fishery. While it can be inconsistent, the CDFW does stock the lake, so timing fishing trips with their schedule is a good idea. During the late winter to early spring, these rainbows are primarily found by casting or trolling lures near the surface. However, when summer rolls in, anglers tend to troll the lake's deeper sections, which is where the larger fish tend to hold as well.

Also, during the spring spawning season, crappie are plentiful. So keep an eye out for schools on your electronics.