Pine Flat Lake
Pine Flat Lake is a popular boating and recreation destination for the southern San Joaquin Valley area. Less than 35 miles east of Fresno, the lake offers all kinds of water sports, boating, fishing, and camping. The lake has three main recreation areas, Deer Creek, Lakeview, and Trimmer.
Pine Flat Lake is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The lake is fed by the waters of the Kings River. It provides irrigation and flood control as well as hydroelectricity. During the late summer and fall, lake levels drop significantly.
A $5 day use fee is required at the four major recreation areas at the lake: Deer Creek, Island Park, Lakeview, and Trimmer. An annual pass is $40.
Boating
Pine Flat Lake has enjoyable boating for everyone, from houseboats to personal watercraft, patio boats to ski boats and fishing boats. Hot summer weather makes it a great place to enjoy the water. Wide channels provide plenty of room for sailing, waterskiing, and just cruising the lake.
Marinas
Pine Flat Lake has two marinas, both operated by Pine Flat Lake Marina. One of the marinas is next to the Deer Creek Launch Ramp and the other is beside the Lakeview Launch Ramps. Slips are available at both marinas. Their rental boat inventory is limited.
Fishing
Pine Flat Lake has great fishing for trout and kokanee salmon, but the reservoir is best known for its record spotted bass. Anglers come from up and down the state to try to land a trophy bass.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds around Pine Flat Lake are operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, the Fresno Parks Department, and the Sierra National Forest. Trimmer Campground reopened in 2011 with terraced sites best suited for RVs. Campsites at Island Park Campground can be reserved.
Lodging
Pine Flat Lake has very limited lodging. One local establishment offers motel style rooms. Another has a trailer for rent. For a wider range of lodging choices, you have to go to Sanger or Fresno.
Scenery
Pine Flat Lake can be quite beautiful in the spring and through the summer as long as the lake level is high. Picturesque hills dotted with oaks surround the lake. When water levels drop in late summer broad slopes of barren bank are exposed, but they hardly stand out from the brown hills.
Nearby Communities
Fresno, which is 35 miles from the lake, is the nearest city of any significant size. Sanger, a smaller community, is 10 miles closer than Fresno.
