Bass Lake Named One of the West's Best Lakes
A year-round vacation destination, Bass Lake was named one of the “West’s Best Lakes” by Sunset Magazine and remains a popular tourist destination since the 1930s. From fishing to swimming, hiking, and boating, read our quick guide to discover all that Bass Lake has to offer!
Bass Lake is located one hour north of Fresno via State Hwy 41 and Road 222. Take Hwy 41 to Oakhurst, three miles north of Oakhurst take Road 222 turn off to Bass Lake. Outdoorsy Yosemite is conveniently located 18 miles from Yosemite’s South Entrance and within walking distance of Bass Lake.
More than a hundred years ago, Bass Lake was a lush green meadow among pine tree-covered hills and mountains. A plan was created in 1895 to build a dam that utilizes the waters of Willow Creek to generate hydroelectric power. The very first structure was built in 1901 and enlarged in 1905. The dam that exists today was constructed in 1910 and is 145 feet high.
Bass Lake, formerly named Crane Valley Reservoir, was completed in 1910 to protect property downstream. The name change came after a lumber operation polluted the lake, killing all the fish. As punishment, the government made the lumber company replace all the dead fish. Guess which species they decided on? Bass! And now you know why they call it Bass Lake.
The are many reasons why vacation goers are attracted to Bass Lake. At 3,400 feet in elevation, the lake is nearly 5 miles long and offers pristine waters, sandy shores, and beautiful views of the surrounding pine trees. With summer water temperatures nearing 80 degrees, Bass Lake is a great location to enjoy swimming, boating, and watersports without a wetsuit.
Bass Lake is one of California’s premier boating, swimming, and sailing lakes. At Bass Lake, you’ll find several marinas with boat and watercraft rental companies and boat launching facilities. Free public boat launching facilities are available at the Wishon Boat Launch, located at the south end of the lake. An accessible boat launch is available. There is a fee to use boats and watercraft on Bass Lake. The Madera County Sheriff’s Department administers fees based on the horsepower of your boat or watercraft. Registration is located at the Sheriff’s tower along the north shore.
Only an hour’s drive from Fresno, Bass Lake is a popular fishing destination for anglers far and wide. The lake has more than 16 species of fish including; trout, bass, kokanee salmon, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby takes place the first weekend in May and draws a huge crowd of anglers and spectators.
Some of the most popular hiking trails near Bass Lake include Way of the Mono, Willow Creek, Goat Mountain, and Spring Cove trails. Click Here for a map of trails around the lake.
