Lake Yosemite, now filled with water, opens to boats

The park and boat launch at Lake Yosemite is now open, Merced County officials confirmed.

After years of drought and little water, the lake was not open to boating last summer. It was the first year the Yosemite Lake Sailing Association did not host its annual regatta, an event that draws people from all over the state to compete.

The lake is an irrigation reservoir, owned and operated by the Merced Irrigation District. The lake’s water is distributed to local farmers through MID’s canal system.

Merced County operates the park and recreation activities at the lake.

The lake was filled with water early this month, MID officials said.

The sailing association is planning to hold its Spring Regatta on May 14-15, said commodore Jay Sousa.

Vehicle entry and boat entry for Lake Yosemite is $6 per day, $50 for an annual pass or $30 for an annual pass for those over 62 years old for each pass.

This story was originally published April 24, 2016 at 3:27 PM with the headline "Lake Yosemite, now filled with water, opens to boats."