Hwy 49 launch New Melones

Does anyone know if you can drive all the way to the water?

Don't think so but isn't a long walk, especially if you have wheels.  It might be a couple hundred yard walk.

There nice launch ramp below the Visitors center on the south side under the bridge..

You used to be able to drive all the way down, as I've done it and launched my boat there, but last I heard they closed it due to vandalism.

The gate is closed at the turn out at the road leading to the visitor's center.  It's not a long walk to the water if you're carrying the yak, but it's all uphill on the way back.  Really pretty cove leading out to the main water and bridge and another nice cove if you turn left and go under the bridge.  I've heard of some nice browns being taken under the bridge.