Copyright: US Army Corps of Engineers
Pine Flat Lake provides flood control, irrigation and recreation to the San Joaquin Valley
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Description - Pine Flat Lake provides recreation opportunities for hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Pine Flat Dam is an impressive structure, which impounds the waters of the Kings River. Construction of the 429-foot tall dam was completed in 1954. Today, Pine Flat continues to provide flood control and irrigation benefits to the San Joaquin Valley. A hydroelectric plant was completed in 1984. At maximum capacity, the lake holds 1,000,000-acre feet of water.
Attractions
- Pine Flat Lake provides an array of outdoor recreation opportunities. Group dam tours and ranger programs can be scheduled by calling the park office. There are three public campgrounds at Pine Flat Lake, all suitable for RV and tent camping. Organized groups may enjoy Island Park Group Campground. Campground reservations accepted. There are two commercial marinas on the lake located at the Deer Creek and Trimmer recreation areas. These offer boat and slip rentals, gasoline, camping, and fishing supplies. Boat launching ramps ($) are available at the Deer Creek, Island Park, Lakeview and Trimmer recreation areas. The lake offers a variety of gamefish, including large and smallmouth bass, spotted bass, rainbow trout, king (chinook) and kokanee salmon, catfish, crappie and bluegill. Anglers can fish for native rainbow trout in the upper Kings River. The lower Kings River below Pine Flat Dam is planted weekly and managed as a put and take fishery. Sightseers can enjoy scenic views of the lake from Trimmer Springs Road and the observation area at the dam. Picnic facilities are also available. Below the dam, the shady banks of the Kings River offer picnic sites and streamside walking trails. Leashed pets are permitted. Golden Age and Golden Access passports are accepted for a 50% discount on single unit fees.
Recreation - Pine Flat Lake is attractive to boaters, campers, picnickers, hikers, water-skiers, sightseers, anglers, and more. Climate - Weather conditions around Pine Flat Lake vary with elevation and exposure. Precipitation falls mainly from October through April. Winter temperatures well below freezing and summer temperatures above 100 degrees indicate the normal seasonal spread. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce thunderstorm activity. Layered clothing and rain gear is advisable. Location -
Pine Flat Lake is located 35 miles east of Fresno in the oak covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
LAT: 36.8324489
LONG: -119.3259565
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