Lakes and rivers near Fresno
8 lakes and rivers within about 180 miles of Fresno, closest first, with boat rentals, camping and fishing for each.
River · CA · 65 mi from Fresno
Merced River
Big spring whitewater just outside Yosemite.
63% full
Lake · CA · 96 mi from Fresno
New Melones Lake
Gold Country reservoir known for kokanee and quiet houseboat coves.
River · CA · 101 mi from Fresno
Kern River
Steep Sierra whitewater above Lake Isabella, and trout below the dam.
25% full
Lake · CA · 105 mi from Fresno
Lake Isabella
Kern River Valley reservoir, wind-friendly for sailing and windsurfing.
River · CA · 155 mi from Fresno
South Fork American
California's most-run whitewater. Class II-III through Coloma.
40% full
Lake · CA · 155 mi from Fresno
Folsom Lake
Sacramento's backyard lake. Ski boats, beaches and the American River trail.
Lake · CA / NV · 163 mi from Fresno
Lake Tahoe
Alpine blue water at 6,225 ft. Paddleboards, beaches, and cold-water trout.
90% full
Lake · CA · 167 mi from Fresno
Castaic Lake
LA County's go-to for striped bass and a separate no-wake lagoon.
Distances are straight-line miles from the city center. Drive times are longer in the mountains.