Sign up to be notified of updates via email. Go to "eNews Sign Up" and under "News" select "Boating Restrictions"

To prevent the introduction of invasive golden mussels and protect critical drinking water infrastructure, El Dorado Irrigation District (EID or District) has implemented boat launching restrictions at Jenkinson Lake, located within the Sly Park Recreation Area (SPRA) in Pollock Pines.

The action comes as water agencies across the region increase restrictions to guard against the spread of invasive mussels, recently detected in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. These mussels can rapidly colonize and clog water intakes and treatment facilities, threatening water quality and delivery systems.

“Golden mussels pose a serious risk to freshwater ecosystems and the infrastructure that supports our community’s water supply,” said EID General Manager Jim Abercrombie. “By actively managing boat launching at SPRA, we’re protecting District infrastructure while doing our part to support a broader regional effort.”

Due to water quality conditions that are more conducive to the establishment of the invasive golden mussels and proximity to critical drinking water infrastructure, the monitoring and tagging program at Jenkinson Lake/Sly Park Recreation Area will remain in effect for the foreseeable future to prevent the introduction of golden mussels.

Boating Restrictions – What You Need to Know

As of April 21, 2025, and continuing until further notice, the following boating restrictions apply at Jenkinson Lake:

Boat launching is permitted if one (1) of the following conditions is met:

• The boat has an intact decontamination seal and receipt from an approved inspection station. Currently, EID only accepts decontamination and inspections from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. For current information on their program and the latest updates on current and seasonal hours, please visit TahoeBoatInspections.com.

-OR-

• The boat was tagged by EID, and a 30-day quarantine period was completed, during which boats must remain sealed with a District tag and kept out of the water.

After decontamination or 30-day quarantine verification:

• Boats that last launched at SPRA may be re-tagged before exiting and may re-enter without additional quarantine—if the seal remains intact and the boater presents a receipt that matches the tag number.
• Non-motorized vessels (e.g., kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards) are exempt if determined to be clean, drained, and dry.
• Trailered non-motorized boats, may be inspected. If the vessel and trailer are determined to be clean, drained, and dry, they may launch without quarantine.

30-Day Quarantine Tagging – District Location and Hours

• Sly Park Recreation Area 4771 Sly Park Road, Pollock Pines
• DAILY: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Appointments are not available.

Reminders for Boaters

• Bring your receipt for re-entry. Staff will match the tag and CF number, and your return-to-water date.
  • If you lose your receipt, expect a longer wait while staff look up your information in the database.
• A 30-day quarantine is required unless you have had your boat decontaminated at an approved facility (see above).
  • For example, if your boat was tagged on April 30, it cannot return to the water before May 29. 
• Boat Launch and Exit Tagging Hours
  • May through September
    • Gates open at 6:30 a.m.
    • All boats must be off the water by 8:00 p.m.
    • Exit tagging available until 8:30 p.m. 
  • October through April
    • Gates open at 7:30 a.m.
    • All boats must be off the water by 5:00 p.m.
    • Exit tagging available until 5:30 p.m.

Project 184 Reservoirs/Lakes Boat Access

Caples Lake (Alpine County) and Silver Lake (Amador County), at this time, due to conditions at these high-elevation lakes/reservoirs, prevention efforts will focus on outreach and education, similar to other partner high-elevation reservoir operations with conditions that are less conducive to the establishment of the invasive golden mussels.

Echo Lake is in the Lake Tahoe watershed and, as such, remains subject to Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) requirements. Please visit TahoeBoatInspections.com for more information and the latest updates on current and seasonal hours.

Lake Aloha is in Desolation Wilderness and is inaccessible by boat. Pursuant to state requirements as a designated drinking water supply.

 El Dorado Forebay remains off limits to any contact recreation, such as swimming and boating.

More Information

• Check this webpage regularly for ongoing updates, www.EID.org/Boating.
  • You can sign up for email notifications when updates are posted to this webpage.
    Go to "eNews Sign Up" and under "News" select "Boating Restrictions"
• Email questions to Boating@EID.org.
• Download the FAQ (Updated October 24, 2025)

Additional Resources

• April 14, 2025: Invasive Mussel Prevention Program Information and PowerPoint Presentation