Bass Lake, California: The Complete Visitor's Guide

What Bass Lake Is

Bass Lake is a reservoir in the Sierra National Forest, about 5 miles south of Oakhurst on Road 222. It sits at 3,400 feet elevation, surrounded by ponderosa pines and granite outcroppings. The lake is roughly 1,200 acres when full — large enough for water skiing and powerboats, calm enough for paddleboards and kayaks.

It's not a secret. Bass Lake has been a summer destination for Central Valley families for generations. But it's also not overrun in the way that Yosemite Valley is overrun. You can find a quiet cove. You can get a table at a restaurant without a two-hour wait. The pace is different.

Swimming

The lake warms up significantly by July and stays warm through September. The best public swimming areas are at the Forks Day Use Area and at the Wishon Point Campground beach. Both have sandy shores and gradual entries. The water is clear.

In spring, the lake is cold — snowmelt cold. Most swimmers wait until mid-June.

Boating and Water Sports

The Pines Marina rents pontoon boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing boats. Reservations are recommended in summer. The lake allows motorized boats with no horsepower restrictions, so you'll share the water with water skiers and wakeboard boats on summer weekends.

If you want calmer water, go early — before 10 AM — or on a weekday. The lake is noticeably quieter on weekday mornings.

Fishing

Bass Lake has largemouth bass, rainbow trout, catfish, and bluegill. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with trout periodically. A California fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.

The best fishing is in the early morning and late evening. The coves on the eastern shore tend to hold bass. Trout fishing is better in the deeper water near the dam.

Dining at Bass Lake

The Pines Resort — The main lakeside resort has two restaurants: Ducey's on the Lake (upscale, reservations recommended) and the Pines Bar & Grill (casual, good burgers, open for lunch). The bar has a deck over the water. In summer, this is the social center of Bass Lake.

Crabby's Lakeside Bar & Grill — More casual, with a large outdoor deck. Good for lunch after a morning on the water.

Miller's Landing Resort — A smaller, quieter alternative with a restaurant and boat rentals. Less crowded than the Pines.

Getting There from Green Gables Ranch

Bass Lake is 5 miles south of Oakhurst on Road 222. From the ranch, it's about a 10-minute drive. Take Highway 41 south to Road 222, then follow the signs. The Pines Resort is at the north end of the lake; Wishon Point is at the south end.

Green Gables Ranch is 5 minutes from Bass Lake and 40 minutes from Yosemite Valley. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2.5 private acres in Oakhurst, CA.