Two Hours From Fresno Is California's Sierra Nevada Reservoir With Crystal-Clear Waters, Fishing, And Camping

California's nearly 400-mile Sierra Nevada mountain range is an outdoor lover's paradise, home to both the highest mountain and tallest waterfall in the United States. The largest trees in the world grow in this region. A diverse and unique array of wildlife fills the mountains, canyons, trees, and waterways. Additionally, some of the country's most iconic natural attractions and national parks, such as Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, are in the Sierra Nevada. This mountain range also holds a number of hidden gems that provide an amazing outdoor escape, like Wishon Reservoir.

Wishon Reservoir is located in Sierra National Forest. This roughly 960-acre body of water was created in 1958 by damming the North Fork Kings River, primarily for hydroelectric purposes. Water is pumped between Wishon Reservoir and nearby Courtright Lake via a series of tunnels between them. Although the lake was created for energy reasons, it now provides an array of outdoor recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.

Because it is largely surrounded by granite rock, quite deep, and located at high elevation, the water in Wishon Reservoir is typically crystal-clear. That, combined with the backdrop of the surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape, makes Wishon Reservoir an idyllic location for outdoor activities. However, timing is everything, as road access to the reservoir is only open late spring through mid-fall. From November through April, the roads are typically closed due to snow. So, check for road conditions before planning a trip to the reservoir.

While there are a number of ways to enjoy the cool, crystal-clear waters of Wishon Reservoir, fishing ranks at the top. Anglers can find a trifecta of trout species: rainbow, brown, and brook, fishing from boats or casting from shore. Fly fishing is another popular way to fish for trout, which are regularly stocked to help bolster the quality and quantity of fish in the lake. 

Anglers looking to fish from land can do so at the Wishon Dam Fishing Site, as well as at picnic sites, such as Short Hair Creek and Helms Picnic Area, and various portions of shoreline throughout the Courtright/Wishon Recreation Area. During the month of May, shore-bound anglers can also utilize the Spillway Fishing Site to fish in the river below the dam. It is also worth noting the frequent water exchanges between Wishon and Courtright Reservoir — the alpine lake in pristine wilderness with a tent-only campground – causes the water level to fluctuate often.

Boaters can launch at Wishon Village on the southwest portion of the lake. Boat and slip rentals are also available through Wishon Village Marina. Although motorized boats are allowed on Wishon Reservoir, there is no towing, such for water skiers and tubers. Jet skis are also banned from the lake. Additionally, there is a 15-mph speed limit. However, these restrictions actually make Wishon Reservoir ideal for a nice, peaceful, relaxing day on the water, perfect for paddlers. As a result, Wishon is a popular spot for kayakers and paddleboarders.

There is no shortage of hiking options around Wishon Reservoir. Woodchuck Trailhead, located near the dam, covers 21 miles and has a nearly 4,000-foot elevation gain. Cliff Bridge Trail covers 4.5 miles between Wishon Reservoir and a stretch of the Kings River below the dam. There are also plenty of unmarked pathways winding around the lake that hikers can explore. The John Muir Wilderness, which has endless hiking possibilities, is just to the east of the reservoir.

Campers have a few options as well. Lily Pad Campground is on the southwest corner of the lake, near the dam. The campground has 15 sites for tent or RV campers, as well as four hike-in sites. However, sites don't have hookups, nor is there potable water available. So, campers must bring all necessary supplies. The Upper Kings Group Campsite is just below the dam and can hold up to 50 campers. Both campgrounds are open May to September. Close to the lake is Wishon Village RV Park, which has 96 full hookup sites, as well as a cabin and RV rentals.

Getting to Wishon Village can be a bit of an adventure. The nearest major city, Fresno, and the closest major airport, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), is about two hours away. About halfway into the drive, you'll pass through Shaver Lake, a charming small lake town. However, this remote location only adds to the allure of Wishon Reservoir, as it is surrounded and bordered by vast tracts of public lands, including Kings Canyon National Park, which is an uncrowded alternative to Yosemite, as well as the Sierra and Inyo National Forests.