Butt Valley Reservoir
- Type
- PG&E reservoir
- Elevation
- 4,150 ft
- Speed limit
- 5 mph; no waterskiing or jet skis
- Launch
- Ray Adams Boat Launch, paved
- Boat launch
- Kayak & SUP
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Camping
- Restrooms
About this lake
Butt Valley Reservoir is a PG&E lake at 4,150 feet just west of Lake Almanor in Plumas County, about five miles long and three-quarters of a mile wide. It was built in 1924 and is the second step of PG&E's Stairway of Power. The 2021 Dixie Fire burned the area.
On the water
The speed limit is 5 mph, and waterskiing and jet skis aren't allowed, so it suits canoes, kayaks, sailboats and anglers. The Ray Adams Boat Launch has a paved ramp, parking and places to swim and picnic. The Forest Service asks boaters to clean, drain and dry and to check launching rules before visiting.
Fishing
The lake is known for trophy trout averaging 18 inches and is open to fishing year-round.
Camping
Ponderosa Flat Campground has 63 sites on the shore with a boat ramp, vault toilets and piped water, open June to October at $25 a night.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Butt Valley Reservoir is just west of Lake Almanor, a short drive from Chester.
Golden mussels
The Forest Service asks every boater to clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and gear, never drain bilge or ballast into the lake, and check the lake's launching rules before visiting. California also requires a Mussel Fee Sticker on motorized boats used in fresh water.
- Fishing
- Year-round; trout average 18 in
- Ponderosa Flat
- 63 sites, $25/night, 530-284-1785
What's here
Launch
Ray Adams Boat Launch, paved ramp
Kayaking
Canoeing, kayaking and sailing
Swimming
Swimming at the launch area
Fishing
Trophy trout, open year-round
Camping
Ponderosa Flat Campground, 63 sites
Restrooms
Vault toilets at Ponderosa Flat
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- Speed limit 5 mph; waterskiing and jet skis not allowedvisitplumas.org ↗
- The Forest Service asks boaters to clean, drain and dry boats and gear and to contact each lake's managing agency for its launching and inspection rules before visiting; it lists no inspection station for this lakefs.usda.gov ↗
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