The powerful aura of the magnificent Sierra Nevada foothills, which surround Lake Kaweah, can be a little intimidating at first glance, because they make the lake appear larger than it really is. This sprawling lake’s topography can change drastically from year-to-year due to drought conditions or heavy rain precipitation.

Lake Kaweah offers many types of boating recreational activities and excellent paddling opportunities for all levels of paddlers. Novice paddlers can hand launch from the Horse Creek campground and paddle along the southern arm of the lake, or there are two other free day use boat launches you can launch from. One launch is located in the middle of the southwestern shore and the other boat launch is located on the western shore at Lemon Hill.

On the hillsides surrounding Lake Kaweah, there are deer, coyotes, bobcats, and possibly mountain lions. Often mistaken for mountain lions, bobcats are much smaller. In addition to excellent paddling opportunities, Lake Kaweah has a huge population of large size largemouth bass and provides excellent year round bass action. The lake bass record weighed in at 17.5 pounds. The fish population includes bass, crappie, bluegill, carp, catfish and rainbow trout.

It’s about a six-hour paddle around the entire lake perimeter when the lake is at full water level capacity. The northern shore is the most scenic area, especially in the middle of the lake. The recreation area hosts a variety of hiking and riding trails which offer breath-taking views of the lake and surrounding foothills.

Map of Lake Kaweah