Melones went to a daily fee a few years ago with the selling point to local anglers and pleasure boaters being that all the money would go right back into the lake and infrastructure. Now there are only two gated entrances to launch after a 3rd and very convenient one was closed (couldn't be "staffed" to ensure people were actually paying the fees). There is probably less park staff present now than there was before the fees started, the cleaning station seems to always be out of order (not that I use it but a lot do or would), the main bathrooms are closed and have not worked for months, we're still down a dock at the ramp (just recently fixed/replaced the second one), and the roof on the 600 +/- sq ft building housing the bathrooms (that aren't working) stayed 50% finished for a year or more.
I've probably averaged 20+ trips/yr to the lake the past 10 years and can definitely say the fees have not helped (vs pre-fees). However, I get the impression the state pulled most of the funding they used to provide the lake and things would be considerably worse without the fees. Melones is still on the cheap side of fees, but our other local lakes are as much as $25-30/day depending on the time of year and price many people out of fishing them regularly.
In addition to the Delta, Clear Lake is also surrounded by free launches that are often part of a community park. Some of the smaller ones are definitely on the shady side, but I've been very fortunate to never experience any issues (knock on wood). I grew up next to the Delta and don't even consider launching at the secluded free spots due to the risk of what will/will not be waiting for me when I get back.
