Lake guide
Bass Lake
Bass Lake, Madera County, CA
Overview
Bass Lake is a Sierra Nevada reservoir in Madera County, in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It is a busy summer boating lake for skiing, wakeboarding, pontoons and fishing, and the Madera County Sheriff's Bass Lake Boat Patrol enforces its rules. The lake is open to boating 24 hours a day.
Launch ramps and marinas
There are two public launch locations: Wishon Point on the south shore, managed by the Forest Service, and Bass Lake Boat Rentals on the north shore, a commercial marina. The state directory lists the Bass Lake Boat Ramp at 39900 Road 222. Three marinas sell the required permit: Bass Lake Boat Rentals, Miller's Landing and The Forks Resort.
Pollution Control Permit
A Pollution Control Permit is mandatory for boats on the lake, valid January 1 through December 31. The Sheriff lists the fee by engine size: $32 for 0 to 50 hp, $50 for 51 to 250 hp, $63 over 250 hp and $50 for personal watercraft. It must be displayed on the starboard side next to the registration number.
Lake rules
Boats travel counter-clockwise around the lake, except in no-wake zones. The daytime limit is 40 mph. The outer edge of the lake, out to orange buoys, is a 5 mph no-wake zone, and between sunset or 8 p.m. (whichever comes first) and 8 a.m. the whole lake is 5 mph. Swim areas include Falls Beach, Recreation Point, Forks Cove and The Pines Resort, and personal watercraft have designated zones on the north and south shores.
Getting there & access
Wishon Point (south shore)
A Forest Service ramp on the south shore. Check with the Sierra National Forest for current fees and hours.
North shore
Bass Lake Boat Rentals is a commercial marina on the north shore with a launch, slips and rentals. It is one of the three places that sell the Pollution Control Permit.
Permit first
Buy the permit before you launch. It is sold at Bass Lake Boat Rentals, Miller's Landing and The Forks Resort, and must be displayed on the starboard side of the boat next to the CF registration number.
Traffic pattern
Travel counter-clockwise around the lake, crossing perpendicular to the centerline. Watch for the orange-buoy no-wake zone along the shoreline and for the swim areas at Falls Beach, Recreation Point, Forks Cove and The Pines Resort.
Amenities
- Bass Lake Boat Rentals — North shore marina with launch, slips and moorage; also sells the permit
- Miller's Landing — Marina that sells the Pollution Control Permit
- The Forks Resort — Marina and resort that sell the permit
- Wishon Point ramp — Forest Service launch on the south shore
- Personal watercraft zones — Designated areas on the north shore (across from Miller's Landing) and south shore
- Swim areas — Falls Beach, Recreation Point, Forks Cove and The Pines Resort
- Boat patrol — Madera County Sheriff Bass Lake Boat Patrol
Rules & official resources
- A Pollution Control Permit is required year-round, valid January 1 to December 31, and must be displayed on the starboard side next to the registration number
- Daytime speed limit is 40 mph; between sunset or 8 p.m. (whichever comes first) and 8 a.m. the limit is 5 mph no wake
- The outer edge of the lake, marked by orange buoys, is a 5 mph no-wake zone
- Boats must travel counter-clockwise around the lake, except in 5 mph zones
- Towing needs at least three people aboard (driver, a flag holder 12 or older, and the person towed), an orange flag when anyone is in the water, and 100 feet from swimmers and flagged boats
- Children 13 and under must wear a life jacket aboard; anyone being towed or riding a PWC must wear one
- Operators must be at least 16 years old
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Wake and ski boat engine service
Bass Lake is a ski and wake lake, and boats here put heavy loads on engines and drivelines. Pre-season service and mid-summer checks are common.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Electrical and audio
Tow boats carry batteries, tower speakers and wake systems that need dependable wiring and regular electrical checks.
Find Marine Electrical & Electronics providers →Detailing and gelcoat
Sierra sun and pine pollen leave heavy dust and oxidation on boats stored lakeside. Washdowns, polishing and wax are routine.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Canvas and upholstery
UV at elevation breaks down covers and seat vinyl quickly, and winter snow loads damage canvas left up.
Find Canvas, Covers & Upholstery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 5, 2026