Photo Credit John Beynon

Hensley Lake offers a broad range of aquatic activities. All boating is permitted as well as water and jet skiing and paddling. This widespread lake is located in the foothills northeast of the town of Madera, 6-miles north of Millerton Lake.

The diverse terrain provides a stunning array of scenic splendors to explore, especially in the three coves along the southeastern side of the lake.The coves are accessible from a free boat launch located off of Buck Ridge Road, which is an ideal location for novice paddlers. It is also one of the prettiest areas on the lake. Buck Ridge Day Use Area is located directly on the shore of Hensley Lake and surrounded by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a mixture of sun and shade.

Hensley Lake is a good place for those looking to do some fishing for largemouth bass.Many kayak anglers consider Hensley Lake to be a premier bass fishery. The lake also holds a good population of crappie, sunfish and bluegill as well as rainbow trout.

With water releases for irrigation being made at Hensley Lake, the lake’s water level is decreasing. This can create problems and challenges for boaters. Dropping water levels means that more rocks and shallow areas are being exposed every day, and less water for paddling. Thankfully, California got some much needed rain this year.

Map of Hensley Lake