Sierra2023Archive

Community Information

Welcome to Eastern Madera County Lakes and Streams in Madera County With nearly 700miles of trout streams and several large reservoirs, Southern Yosemite Vacationland offers a wide variety of angling opportunities which would delight the heart of any follower of Isaac Watson. Continuing a practice that began in the 1870s, the California Department of Fish and Game stocks most roadside streams on public lands with catchable-size rainbow trout during the summer season. Reservoirs are also stocked on a regular basis. A rundown of some of the best fishing possibilities include: Mammoth Pool: Located 40 miles east of North Fork on the San Joaquin River is Eastern Madera County’s major trout lake. It is closed to fishing from May 1 through June 15 to permit deer to migrate across the reservoir to reach higher ranges. Because of its steep, rocky sides, most Mammoth Pool fishing is from boats. Reports of 20-inch brown trout are common with some weighing two to three pounds. Hensley Lake: Located on the Fresno River is popular because of its low elevation and easy access. Good year-round warm water fishing for bass, blue gill, crappie and catfish. As soon as the weather cools, trout are stocked each year for angling during winter and spring. Boat launch area and permit fishing is allowed from the bank or boats. Camping available. Eastman Lake: Located on the Chowchilla River approximately 23 miles northeast of Chowchilla, offers opportunities for camping, fishing, hunting, recreational water sports, hiking, horseback riding, golf and more. Eastman Lake is 5.5 miles long, covers 1780 surface acres and has a storage capacity of 150,000 acre-feet. It is known for its bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish and trout fishing. Individual and group campsites are available at Codorniz Campground and may be reserved at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777 . Manzanita Lake: Located two miles north of North Fork on Willow Creek, is a small lake stocked with rainbow trout through the summer months. It is a nice family fishing area. Bass Lake: Nestled among the tall pine trees of the Sierra National Forest in Eastern Madera County, and is one of the most popular

Chambers of Commerce

Oakhurst 40061 Highway 49, Suite 102, Oakhurst, CA 93644 559-683-7766 Email: chamber@oakhurstchamber.com oakhurstchamber.com Bass Lake PO Box 126, Bass Lake, CA 93604-0126 559-642-3676 Email: chamber@basslakechamber.com basslakechamber.com North Fork PO Box 426, North Fork, CA 93643-0426 559-877-2410 • fax 559-877-4267 Email: info@northforkchambercommerce.org northforkchambercommerce.org Coarsegold 35300 Hwy 41, PO Box 663, Coarsegold, CA 93614 559-642-2125 Email: Chamber@CoarsegoldChamberOfCommerce.com coarsegoldchamberofcommerce.com

vacation spots in Central California. It is situated at the 3,500-foot level in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. The 4.5 mile lake is on the north fork of Willow Creek, a tributary of the San Joaquin River. Bass Lake is officially called Crane Valley Reservoir. This site was originally a lush meadow enfolded in pine covered hills that was discovered by a detachment of the Mariposa Battalion led by Major James D. Savage during the Indian Wars of 1850-1851. (continued on next page)

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