PaddlingCalifornia.com 

Paddle Notes: The soul-stirring scenic forty mile drive through a dense forest on a smoothly paved road to Mammoth Pool Reservoir was a pleasant relief after just driven to Thomas Edison Lake. If you have ever gone to Thomas Edison Lake, you will know what I mean! For those of you who want to be a part of nature, there are campsites deep in the woods along the road on the way to this reservoir.

My first glimpse of Mammoth Pool Reservoir was from the Mile High Vista Point, which offers an awesome 180 degree view of this magical place, unusual dome-shaped rock formations, and a dam that gives you the feeling you could paddle to the edge of the world and fall-off.

Kayak Fishing: Mammoth Pool Reservoir offers superb kayak angling opportunities for rainbow, eastern brook, and German brown trout. Fishing is prohibited on the from May 1st until June 16th for migrating deer.

Wind & Weather Conditions: Mid-morning gusty winds can become quite severe until sunset. If you happen to get caught in strong winds, pull your craft out along the shoreline and sit out them out. Novice paddlers may only want to paddle along the north shore due to the strong wind conditions at Mammoth Pool Reservoir. Also, sudden afternoon thunder and lightning storms are common during the summer.

The average summer daytime high air temperature is in the mid-70s. In the fall, Mammoth Pool Reservoir’s water level drops below the boat launch which restricts powerboat usage. During the winter, snow makes the access road to this reservoir impassable.

Terrain: Mammoth Pool Reservoir lies nestled in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains and tall ponderosa pines intermingled with live and black oak. It is one of the most eye-popping beautiful reservoirs I have ever seen.

The reservoir is ideal for those individuals who want to get away from it all, take in the beauty of the surrounding area and enjoy the fulfillment of a paddler’s dream. Due to the remoteness of the location and the primitive camping conditions I would strongly urge you to paddle this reservoir with a companion. The reservoir is approximately five miles long and one-half mile wide at the widest point.

Open: The reservoir is closed during the wintertime when the roads are inaccessible, and from May 1st to June 15th for deer migration. The boat speed limit is 35 m.p.h. Kayaking is allowed daily from sunrise to sunset.

Fees: There is a fee to camp at Mammoth Pool, but no day use or launch fee.

Reservoir Facilities: The facilities include fishing, swimming, power boating, windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing and hiking trails.

Directions: From the city of Fresno, off of Highway 99, exit onto Highway 41 heading north thirty-and-a-half miles. Turn right on Road 200 (North Fork Road) and drive eight miles. Proceed on Road 200; then turn right on Road 225. Watch carefully for the turnoff for Highway 81. Turn left on Highway 81 and drive about thirty-five miles. Turn right on Mammoth Pool Road and drive one-and-a-half miles to reach the launch. Map