Welcome to Shaver Lake
See Our Town
Shaver Lake California
Welcome to Shaver Lake, California! Located on the western slopes of the breathtaking Sierra National Forest within Fresno County, our picturesque town is the perfect alpine escape. Getting here is a scenic and straightforward drive: the town sits right on State Highway 168, just east of Fresno. If you are driving up, Highway 168 can be easily picked up from Highway 41 North in Fresno, right off the 99. For those traveling from the northern part of the San Joaquin Valley or Northern California, simply take eastbound Highway 180 to the Highway 168 interchange
Once you arrive, you will discover a vibrant, welcoming mountain community surrounded by dense pine trees and crisp, clean air. Sitting at an elevation of over 5,300 feet, Shaver Lake serves as an incredible year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Whether you are looking to spend a warm summer day out on the water with a boat rental from Sierra Marina, enjoy world-class fishing, or explore the miles of scenic hiking trails, our beautiful lakeside town has something unforgettable waiting for everyone.
The Town
The current town of Shaver Lake has evolved from a historic lumber mill community into its present vibrant mix of businesses and restaurants serving both locals and tourists. While the town is home to about 2,000 permanent residents, that population swells to around 6,000 people during the peak summer season as visitors flock to the mountains. Sitting at an elevation of over 5,300 feet, the crisp, clean air and dense pine trees make it an incredible destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
To dive deeper into our local heritage, we highly recommend visiting the Central Sierra Historical Society. You can explore their website or visit them inside Camp Edison to get a firsthand tour of our history. Whether you are here to learn about the past, explore miles of hiking trails, or spend a warm summer day out on the water with a boat rental from Sierra Marina, our beautiful lakeside town has something unforgettable waiting for everyone.
The Lake
Beyond the town, the lake itself is a marvel. Shaver Lake is a 135,000-acre-foot reservoir managed by Southern California Edison, forming part of a massive hydroelectric chain. Boasting about 17 miles of shoreline and 2,000 surface acres, most portions of the lake are easily accessible by car or a short walk. While it provides a stunning recreational playground for boaters, the lake also serves vital functions: flood control for the valley, water for the Friant-Kern Canal, and hydroelectric power for California.
The majority of our water comes from Huntington Lake, higher up in the Sierras, generating power through the John S. Eastwood Powerhouse. Because the powerhouse is a pump-storage facility, very little water is dropped out of Shaver during the summer months—water is actually pumped back uphill to Balsam Forebay at night! When water is eventually released, it continues its journey down to Millerton Lake.
Waterskiing & Wakeboarding
Shaver Lake is a premier destination for water sports enthusiasts, offering fantastic, wide-open conditions for both water skiing and wakeboarding. The far North opening of the lake, situated right in front of the dam, is the largest pooled area of water. This expansive section provides plenty of room to carve deep turns, maneuver safely, and ride without feeling crowded, making it the undisputed best spot on the lake for tow sports.
If you are chasing that perfect, mirror-like “glass” across the top of the lake, timing is everything. The absolute best times to hit the water are early in the morning right around 6:30 AM as the sun creeps over the pines, or in the late evening around 7:00 PM as the afternoon breezes die down. During these magic hours, the water is incredibly smooth, offering an unforgettable, buttery ride and stunning reflections of the surrounding Sierra National Forest.
The Fishing
Shaver Lake is a renowned angler’s paradise, teeming with a wide variety of sought-after species. Whether you are casting from the shoreline or trolling the deep waters, you can expect to find feisty smallmouth bass, beautiful rainbow and brown trout, and prized kokanee salmon. While the lake is technically open for fishing year-round, the winter months often bring substantially lower water levels. From November through April, these low levels can make it difficult for fishermen to safely launch their boats, which naturally gives the lake a quiet, resting period.
This winter lull sets the stage for an incredible spring and summer season. Once the snowmelt refills the reservoir, the fishing action is absolutely phenomenal. Because the fish have been virtually untouched for months, they are highly active, hungry, and ready to bite as soon as the boats hit the water. Before you cast your first line, remember that a valid California fishing license is required. Fortunately, we make getting out on the water easy! You can purchase your license right inside the store at Sierra Marina, where our friendly staff can also hook you up with the best local bait, tackle, and insider tips on exactly where the fish are biting.
Creek Fire
In the late summer of 2020, the Shaver Lake community and surrounding mountain regions were forever changed by the devastating Creek Fire. Burning an astonishing 379,895 acres, it currently stands as the fifth-largest wildfire ever recorded in California history. The sheer intensity and heat of the blaze generated the largest pyrocumulonimbus (fire-induced thunderstorm) cloud ever documented in the United States, spewing thick smoke and ash over hundreds of miles. Tragically, the fire consumed over 800 homes, residential structures, and local businesses, displacing countless families and drastically altering the familiar forest landscape.
While the flames have long been extinguished, the profound physical and emotional toll of the Creek Fire continues to be felt deeply by the residents of Shaver Lake and the neighboring mountain communities. Yet, the spirit of the mountain remains unbroken. The ongoing recovery, forest management, and rebuilding efforts stand as a testament to the incredible resilience, strength, and unity of the people who call this beautiful area home. To learn more about the timeline, impact, and ongoing recovery of the California Creek Fire, please visit our dedicated informational page using the link above.
Ready for Your Shaver Lake Adventure?
Secure your pontoon, ski boat, or waverunner rental for a perfect day on the water. Book ahead to guarantee your equipment and get ready for unforgettable memories in the Sierra National Forest.