2 days until Christmas...

With just two days until Christmas, my true love gave to me: Two turtle doves bald eagles at Bass Lake.

Bass Lake is home to a pair of the most iconic creatures in our country, bald eagles. Rent a boat from one of the rental companies on the lake and head out across the lake from Miller's Landing for a glimpse of these mighty creatures.

Then, finish up your Christmas shopping at the Pines Village. You can find everything from art, jewelry and other gifts for everyone on your list.

For more ideas, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com

Bass Lake Water Levels perfect through summer

Bass Lake levels up through summer

Bass Lake, CA. – Water levels at Bass Lake, a popular vacation spot in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Madera County will be up through Labor Day weekend. 

Bass Lake draws tens of thousands of visitors throughout the spring and summer months for its ample fishing, boating, hiking and other outdoor recreation opportunities. 

While immensely popular with vacationers, Bass Lake is also a reservoir for PG&E, used for power generation. The company had been considering beginning the annual draw-down of the water’s level early to assist in the continued Crane Valley  Dam retrofit efforts. Combined efforts between local tourism business leaders and elected officials have delayed the draw-down until after the summer season.

“We’re pleased PG&E made this announcement and is working with the recreation community at the lake to delay their draw-down until after the Labor Day Holiday,” said Steve Welch, owner of Bass Lake Realty and long-time advocate for Bass Lake tourism. 

The water levels have been about 10 feet below full for the past few summers to assist in the refit of the dam. Welch said the water levels right now are perfect for anyone wishing to come to Bass Lake.

“The high speed boating area is unchanged from when the lake is full, there is plenty of boating space with the advantage of also having some more available beach. PG&E will maintain that level through Labor Day.”

In addition to ample outdoor recreation, Bass Lake has a host of lodging, dining and shopping options moments from the shore. The Pines Resort is a full service resort on the eastern shore with boat rentals, fine dining, spa and more while Miller’s Landing and The Forks Resort, located on the western shore, offer cabins, dining and boat rentals as well. Other companies, such as Bass Lake Realty, Bass Lake Vacation Rentals, Century 21 Ditton Realty at Bass Lake and Marc’s Bass Lake Vacation Rentals offer vacation rental homes of varying size, ideal for family reunions or other large groups looking to stay together. Still others offer cabins or bed and breakfasts, like Mount’s Bass Lake Log Cabin, Bass Lake Cabin Near Yosemite and the Pine Rose Inn.

For more information on Bass Lake recreational opportunities and discounts, visit www.YosemiteThisYear.com/BassLake

Bass Lake Fishing Report 6/13/11

Fishing Reports are provided by Tom Tusso of Bass Lake Watersports.

Bass fishing is starting to pick up nicely.  Regular 3-7 pound Bass are being caught near the shoreline grassy areas, mainly due to spawning.  We emphasize catch and release of all Bass at this time as it helps promote the population.  Use plastic or live worms with a small weight about 12" from the hook for action.

Trout fishing is still great, mainly due to the strange weather pattern we have had in recent months.  By boat is best as the water heats up.  Troll in front of the Sheriffs tower or down by the dam about 25' down.  Use down riggers or lots of weights with traditional trolling lures.  On our last tour our guide caught a nice 14"rainbow, and also caught a few tagged fish from the recent fishing derby.

Crappie fishing is still for the smaller ones.  I would give it a few weeks and then fish any dock or shoreline.  Bass Lake is an excellent fishing lake for the kids to catch small pan fish.  Use a small hook and just a piece of worm on the end, and dangle it in front of the fish. 

Hope to see you and your family catching the 'big one'.