Eastman Lake

H.V. Eastman Lake is a quiet U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Chowchilla River in the Madera County foothills. It sits 25 miles east of Chowchilla at the north end of County Road 29, about an hour north of Fresno. At about 1,780 surface acres it's a small lake surrounded by rolling, oak-covered hills.

Who boats here

Eastman is above all a bass lake: it was the first water designated a Trophy Bass Fishery by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Anglers make up much of the boating traffic, and the Corps provides fish cleaning stations next to each ramp.

Layout

The Corps manages several recreation areas around the lake. The Codorniz Recreation Area has boat ramps and a courtesy dock next to Codorniz Campground. The Chowchilla Recreation Area has more ramps plus camping with electric sites. Wildcat Campground offers primitive camping with boat access, and Wildcat Equestrian Area serves horse campers.

Before you go

This is a remote lake: the general store and fuel are about 20 miles from the campground, so fill up and bring supplies before you arrive. Check current lake levels before you tow. Eastman is fresh water, so registered boats need a current Mussel Fee sticker; call the project office at (559) 689-3255 for any current inspection requirements.