Fishing And Swimming Adventures Await At 12 Remote California Lakes
California’s hidden lakes offer perfect escapes for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude away from crowded tourist spots.
These remote bodies of water provide pristine environments for both fishing enthusiasts and swimmers alike, with clear waters teeming with various fish species.
Pack your gear and discover these 12 secluded California lakes where adventure and tranquility perfectly blend together.
1. Bowman Lake
Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada at 5,600 feet, this jewel offers seclusion that’s worth the bumpy drive up.
Anglers rejoice at the abundant rainbow and brown trout populations that thrive in these cool waters. The granite shoreline provides perfect platforms for casting lines or sunbathing after a refreshing swim.
2. Englebright Lake
What makes this emerald reservoir special is its unusual no-swimming policy that’s cleverly circumvented by houseboaters who anchor in coves.
The 9-mile long lake created by Englebright Dam boasts excellent rainbow trout and king salmon fishing year-round.
Unique among California lakes, it features floating campsites that put you right on top of prime fishing spots.
3. Frenchman Lake
Imagine waking up to misty mountain views while rainbow trout practically leap onto your hook.
This high-elevation treasure sits at 5,600 feet in Plumas County, offering surprisingly warm swimming conditions during summer months. The lake’s unique finger-like shape creates numerous secluded coves where you can fish undisturbed or enjoy a private swimming spot away from others.
4. Union Valley Reservoir
Hidden among towering pines in El Dorado National Forest, this reservoir feels like nature’s best-kept secret.
Crystal clear waters reach depths of 271 feet, creating the perfect habitat for massive mackinaw trout that can exceed 10 pounds.
The reservoir’s numerous rocky points and underwater structures provide excellent swimming spots with jumping platforms naturally formed by granite outcroppings.
5. Blue Lakes
Contrary to what the name suggests, these twin lakes actually shimmer with an emerald hue due to their mineral-rich waters.
Located in Lake County, the Upper and Lower Blue Lakes provide excellent habitat for bass and panfish.
The relatively warm water temperatures make these lakes ideal for extended swimming sessions, while numerous fallen trees along the shoreline create natural fishing hotspots.
6. Lake Pillsbury
Few fishing spots offer the chance to cast your line while wild horses graze nearby, but that’s exactly what happens here.
This remote Mendocino National Forest gem sits at 1,800 feet elevation and hosts a healthy population of bass, bluegill, and catfish.
The lake’s shallow, sandy northern shore warms quickly in summer, creating ideal swimming conditions while the deeper southern end remains prime fishing territory.
7. Donner Lake
Beyond its infamous history, this alpine jewel harbors underwater treasures for both anglers and swimmers.
The crystal-clear waters hold surprising depth, dropping to 238 feet at its deepest point where massive lake trout lurk.
Public docks along the north shore provide perfect platforms for both fishing and swimming, while underwater visibility often exceeds 30 feet during calm mornings.
8. Lake Almanor
Shaped like a giant footprint when viewed from above, this volcanic basin lake offers warm, shallow coves that contrast with deep fishing channels.
The western shore features thermal springs that create pockets of surprisingly warm water even in cooler months.
Anglers target the massive brown trout that grow to trophy size feeding on the lake’s abundant pond smelt population.
9. Lake Siskiyou
Standing in Lake Siskiyou’s clear shallows, you’ll witness the majestic Mount Shasta reflected on the water’s surface – a view that captivates photographers and nature lovers alike.
The lake’s north shore features a sandy swimming beach with roped-off areas for families.
Meanwhile, the eastern coves provide excellent habitat for smallmouth bass and rainbow trout, making it possible to catch dinner and cook it at lakeside campsites.
10. Lake Berryessa
Famous for its bizarre “Glory Hole” spillway that resembles a giant bathtub drain, this lake offers much more than just an unusual landmark.
Hidden coves along its 165 miles of shoreline provide sanctuary for massive rainbow trout, bass, and kokanee salmon.
The lake’s consistent warm water temperatures from June through September make it ideal for extended swimming adventures combined with fishing expeditions.
11. Lake Ilsanjo
Tucked away within Annadel State Park lies this human-made wonder that feels completely natural.
Originally created as a private fishing retreat in the 1950s, the lake now offers public access to its bass-filled waters.
A complete trail circumnavigates the lake, providing numerous access points for both fishing and swimming, with fallen trees creating natural diving platforms and fish habitats simultaneously.
12. Lake Solano
While technically part of a county park, don’t let the accessible location fool you – this spot feels worlds away from civilization.
Fed by the chilly waters of Putah Creek, the lake maintains cool temperatures perfect for the rainbow trout that are regularly stocked here.
The unique swimming area features a separate channel with calm waters, while nearby fishing spots offer chances to catch everything from trout to catfish.
