Bear River Reservoirs (Lower & Upper)

Immediately above—and in high water separated only by the upper dam—lies the smaller Bear River Reservoir that is often referred to as the Upper Bear River Reservoir. Slightly over a mile long, it contains 166 surface acres and about 2.5 miles of shoreline surrounded by private, water management lands. Much of the headwaters above the two lakes are referred to by some as the “Devils Garden.”

The Lower Reservoir offers developed recreation and boating opportunities. As there are no trails to the Upper Reservoir, the only boating access requires portaging crafts around and to the top of its dam.

Fishery:

Lower Reservoir is routinely stocked by the CDF&G with yearling and catchable brown and rainbow trout. In 2005 the release was 2250 pounds numbering about 5625 brownies. That same year they released 5800 pounds numbering 10,440 rainbow trout. F&G also released 3000 fingerlings of Kamloops Junction Rainbow Trout in the Upper Reservoir. The Bear River Lake Resort stocks trophy-sized rainbows and offers fishing derbies in the Lower Lake.

The Lower Reservoir receives mostly all of the fishing pressure while the Upper Reservoir offers a secluded, challenge. Some Lake Trout, Kamloops, have been caught in the Lower Reservoir.

Facilities:

The Upper Reservoir has to be accessed by portaging light, flatwater paddle boats from the eastern end of the Lower Reservoir. The opportunity is best for hardy paddlers that enjoy a rugged lake mostly to themselves.

The Lower Reservoir is open to all types of water craft and skiing. Prevalent winds make this a nice sail boating opportunity. Improved launch facilities are located near the dam and at the marina operated by the Bear River Lake Resort. An unimproved ramp is available below Pardoes Point Campground. This is the best launch site for accessing the Upper Reservoir about 2 miles further uplake.

In addition to facilities at Bear River Lake Resort, camping is available at three-single family and one group, concessionaire operated, Forest Service campgrounds. Except for the group campground, normal season is May 1-November 15.

South of the dam, South Shore Campground offers a total of 22 units: 9 have shorter parking spurs, 25’-40’, that are best suited for tent camping, while 11 have parking spurs between 40’ and 50’ that are suitable for trailers and RVs. Two units are walk-in tent camping only. There is piped water and vault toilets, but no showers. Setting is forested on a side hill, above the lake on the uphill side of the main access road that separates the campground from the lake. There are no hook-ups but the Resort operates a dump station.

Along the southern shoreline, Pardoes Point Campground offers 10 tent camping units. Toilets are pit facilities and there is no piped water provided. Unless it’s raining, no showers. Day use parking lies just above the camping sites, and five picnic tables sit at the end of the road near the lake. Setting is forested, large trees just above the lake.

On the slope above the south side of the lake, the Bear River Group Campground offers 4 separate sites: three with a maximum of 25 people and one can hold up to 50. Vault toilets and piped water. Forested setting but well above and nearly a mile by road from the lake. Reservations only. Normal season is mid-June through mid-September.

On the northern shoreline, Sugar Pine Point is a sunny, scenic, although rustic campground with 8 tent camping units. “Rustic” means no piped water, pit toilets, and dirt-road access, but if you’re prepared this is a pretty spot just above the lake on a granitic point with large pines.

Bear River Lake Resort on the north shore in the Little Bear River cove offers 127 units for tents or RVs, including partial hookups with limited electric service, showers and flush toilets. A group site for up to 60 people is available. Facilities include: playground for kids, volleyball court, horseshoe pits, beach area (no lifeguard), laundromat and a game room. Café and cocktail lounge area in the main lodge. There are 8 “lodging units”, including trailers used as “cabins”, with a separated bedroom and day bed in the living room units are adequate for up to 4 people. Full bath and kitchen. The marina offers gas and boat rentals and there is a small store at the resort. No dirt bikes allowed and ATVs must be stock, no pipes. Contact 209-295-4868 for information, rates or reservations.

In the winter the Resort is open Fridays-Sundays and offers 60 miles of groomed trails and snow play opportunities.

Lying a short distance above the Upper Reservoir, the moderately challenging Pardoe Trail, an OHV Route, climbs the rugged ridge that forms the northern boundary of the Mokelumne Wilderness. A few miles above the reservoirs, the Tangle Foot hiking trail enters the lower elevations on the western boundary of the Mokelumne Wilderness. The trail to Devils Lake is a pleasant excursion at the end of a road best used by high-clearance vehicles.

Fishing Hints:

At an elevation of 5,850 feet the lake can be fished year-round as access to the resort and boat launch is plowed. Best fishing is from ice-out in the spring to late fall.

Rainbow trout provide good fishing throughout the season. Trolling with worms behind flashers and dodgers works well as do lures such as Hum Dingers, Sparklefish, Needlefish and Kastmasters. Bank fishing is good north of the dam in the Little Bear River cove near the Bear River Lake Resort and boat launches.

Fishing for brown trout is best just after the ice melts when the lake opens and again during the cool weather of fall. In summer, anglers must fish deep. Lures imitating minnows, especially with rainbow colors, work best while trolling but they also can be successfully cast along the shoreline during prime feeding times. Bank fishing can be rewarding while using mealworms, Rapalas or Rebels with water-filled bobbers.

Lake Trout, Mackinaw, fishing is also best in the spring and fall while trolling fairly deep in the 25 to 65 foot range. Flatfish and J-Plugs have worked well, especially in the deeper water off the south shore.

To Bear River Reservoirs (Lower & Upper)

Drive 40 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88; then go south 2½ miles on Bear River Road. Snow plowing normally accesses only the Bear River Lake Resort and the reservoir near the dam.

Communities

• Jackson
• Pine Grove
• Pioneer