Bass Lake Boat Launch Ramps: Year-Round Access?

Bass Lake, California, is a popular destination for boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake is surrounded by beautiful pine forests and mountains, and it offers several boat launching facilities, including free public boat ramps at the Wishon Boat Launch on the south end of the lake. Bass Lake Boat Rentals also offers a commercial boat launch on the north shore of the lake. While it is not clear if these ramps are open all year, Bass Lake itself is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the lake is open all year for fishing.

Boat registration requirements

To operate a boat on Bass Lake, you must follow the boat registration requirements. Bass Lake is located in Madera County, California, and has specific rules and regulations for boating. Here are the key requirements for boat registration and related information:

• Pollution Control Permit: A Pollution Control Permit is required for all vessels/boats operating on Bass Lake within Madera County. This permit must be displayed on the starboard side of the vessel next to the CF number and be valid from January 1st to December 31st of each year. The permit can be purchased at one of the three marinas on Bass Lake: Bass Lake Boat Rentals, Millers Landing, or Forks Resort. The fees are based on horsepower, ranging from $32.00 to $63.00 for different horsepower categories.
• California State Registration: According to the information provided, boats must have current state registration affixed to both the starboard and port sides of the vessel at all times when operating on Bass Lake.
• California Boater Card: As of January 1, 2018, a California Boater Card is mandatory for operating any vessel or boat on Bass Lake. Individuals can obtain this card by taking an approved boating safety course online, in a classroom, or through home study.
• Boater's Education Certificate: In California, individuals under the age of 20 must hold a Boater's Education Certificate to operate a motorized vessel on Bass Lake. This certificate ensures that operators possess the necessary knowledge and skills for safe and responsible navigation.
• Boat Launch Locations: There are two public boat launch locations on Bass Lake. The first is the Wishon Point boat ramp on the south shore, managed by the National Forest Service and California Land Management. The second is Bass Lake Boat Rentals on the north shore, which is a commercial marina. Fees may apply for launching boats at these locations.
• Speed and Direction Regulations: The proper direction of travel on Bass Lake is counterclockwise. A speed limit of 5 mph or no wake is mandatory between sunset or 8 pm (whichever is earlier) and 8 am. During specific holidays and their accompanying weekends, such as Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day, the speed limit is set at 40 mph.
• Life Vest Requirements: All individuals, regardless of age, must wear a coast guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while being towed behind a vessel or while on a personal watercraft (PWC). Children aged 13 and under must wear PFDs while aboard a vessel, being towed, or using a paddleboard, kayak, etc.
• Personal Watercraft (PWC) Areas: Bass Lake has designated PWC areas marked with white buoys. These areas are exclusively for PWC, and no other boats, vessels, swimmers, or paddle boards are allowed to enter. PWCs are not permitted to tow a person or object on Bass Lake.
• Swim Areas: There are several designated swim areas marked with white buoys, including Falls Beach, Recreation Point, Forks Cove, and the Pines Resort. Boats, vessels, paddle boards, kayaks, and PWC are not allowed to enter these swim areas.
• Paddle Board Requirements: Stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) are considered "vessels" by the Coast Guard and must follow specific rules. They are permitted within the 5 mph/No wake zone on Bass Lake. Paddle boards must be equipped with a Coast Guard-approved PFD for each occupant, and children aged 12 and under must wear PFDs at all times. Additionally, paddle boards must have a sounding device and a lighting device for use during darkness.

Launch locations

Bass Lake is one of California's premier boating, swimming, and sailing lakes. There are two public launch locations for boats: Wishon Point Boat Ramp and Bass Lake Boat Rentals. Wishon Point Boat Ramp is located on the south shore of Bass Lake and is managed by the National Forest Service and California Land Management. Bass Lake Boat Rentals is a commercial business and marina located on the north shore of Bass Lake. Both locations offer free public boat launching facilities, with the registration for Bass Lake Boat Rentals located at the Sheriff's tower along the north shore.

The Bass Lake Boat Ramp is located at 39900 Road 222, Bass Lake, CA 93604, and can also be reached by phone at (559) 877-2218. The mailing address is 57003 Road 225, North Fork, CA 93643.

Bass Lake is nearly five miles long and is surrounded by beautiful pine trees. It is located at 3,400 feet in elevation and is about an hour's drive north of Fresno via State Highway 41 and Road 222. To get to Bass Lake from Fresno, take Highway 41 to Oakhurst, then take the Road 222 turnoff to Bass Lake.

In addition to the two public launch locations, there are several Bass Lake marinas that offer boat launching facilities, mooring, and rentals. These include Bass Lake Boat Rentals, Millers Landing, and Forks Resort.

Boating safety laws

Boating is a popular activity at Bass Lake, California, with the lake being a prime spot for water sports, including water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and swimming. The lake is open to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To ensure the safety of all visitors, there are several boating safety laws and regulations that must be followed when boating in Bass Lake. Here is a detailed overview of some essential boating safety laws:

Registration and Permits:

• Boat Registration: All motorized vessels or sailboats exceeding eight feet in length on California waterways must be registered with the DMV. Additionally, boats operating in Bass Lake within Madera County are required to have a Pollution Control Permit, which can be purchased from one of the three marinas on the lake.
• California Boater Card: As of January 1, 2018, a California Boater Card is mandatory for operating any vessel or boat in California. Boaters can obtain this card by completing an approved boating safety course online, in a classroom, or through home study.
• Captain's License: Captains operating charter vessels within Bass Lake must hold a valid US Coast Guard license that aligns with the size and type of vessel they command. A 6-pack license is required for vessels accommodating up to six passengers, while a Master Captain's license is necessary for larger vessels.
• Boater's Education Certificate: In California, individuals under the age of 20 must possess a Boater's Education Certificate to operate a motorized vessel. This certificate ensures that they have the necessary knowledge and skills for safe navigation.

Safety Equipment and Regulations:

• Life Vest Requirement: All individuals, regardless of age, must wear a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) while being towed behind a vessel or while on a personal watercraft (PWC). Children aged 13 and under must wear a PFD when aboard a vessel, being towed, or using a paddleboard, kayak, etc.
• Alcohol and Drug Use: No person shall operate any recreational vessel or device while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is strictly prohibited by the Harbor and Navigation Code.
• Speed Limits: Bass Lake has established speed limits that vary depending on the time of day and specific conditions. A speed of 5 mph or no wake is mandatory between sunset or 8 pm (whichever is earlier) and 8 am. During holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day, the speed limit is set at 40 mph.
• Direction of Travel: The proper direction of travel on Bass Lake is counterclockwise. When traveling between the shoreline and the orange buoy area, the speed limit is 5 mph or no wake, and the counterclockwise pattern does not apply.
• Designated Areas: Bass Lake has designated areas for specific activities. For instance, there are separate zones for water sports, swimming, and personal watercraft (PWC). These areas are marked with white buoys, indicating exclusive use for the specified activity.

These boating safety laws are crucial for ensuring the well-being of all visitors to Bass Lake. By adhering to these regulations, boaters can help maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Speed limits

Bass Lake, California, is open to the public 24 hours a day, all year round. The lake is a boater's paradise, with two public boat launch sites. To ensure a harmonious experience for all visitors, there are some speed limits and rules in place.

Firstly, a speed limit of 5 mph or no wake is enforced between sunset or 8 pm (whichever is earlier) and 8 am. This rule applies to the entire lake and is intended to maintain a relaxed atmosphere during the night. Additionally, a speed limit of 5 mph or no wake is in place when travelling between the shoreline and the orange buoy area.

On certain days, such as Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day, as well as the weekends accompanying these holidays, the speed limit is set at 40 mph. This restriction is due to the high volume of visitors during these popular holiday periods. At other times, the Sheriff's personnel may implement this speed limit if they deem conditions to be hazardous or unsafe. A red flag flown at each marina indicates that this speed limit is in effect.

It is important to note that the proper direction of travel on Bass Lake is counter-clockwise. This rule ensures smooth navigation for all boaters and should be followed unless crossing directly to the other side of the lake.

Fishing rules

Bass Lake in California is a popular destination for fishing, with over 16 species of fish, including trout, bass, kokanee salmon, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. The lake is open all year for fishing, but nearby creeks and streams have seasonal closures.

Fishing License Requirements:

Anglers 16 years and older need a California fishing license to fish in Bass Lake. The license can be obtained at local stores, and the annual fee is $32.80.

Daily and Possession Limits:

The daily limit for fish is five per day, with a possession limit of 10. This applies to Bass Lake and the surrounding creeks and streams during their open seasons.

Fishing Restrictions:

The Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulation Book provides detailed information on fishing restrictions, including the types of hooks and bait allowed, and how to display your license properly.

Boat Registration and Permits:

To use a boat on Bass Lake, you must obtain a permit from the Madera County Sheriff's Department, based on the horsepower of the boat. Additionally, a Pollution Control Permit is required for all vessels in the County of Madera, which can be purchased from one of the three marinas on Bass Lake.

Boating Safety:

It is important to follow all boating safety regulations, including speed limits, proper direction of travel, and life vest requirements. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.

Swimming Areas:

Bass Lake has designated swimming areas marked by white buoys. Boats and other watercraft are not allowed to enter these areas.

Conservation and Consumption Guidelines:

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) provides guidelines for consuming fish from California lakes, including Bass Lake, due to the presence of mercury and PCBs. These guidelines vary for different age groups and fish species.

Frequently asked questions