New Bullards Bar Reservoir, California, USA

Also known as:  Bullards Bar Reservoir

New Bullards Bar Reservoir is located on the west side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Yuba County, California, surrounded by the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests. This 4700-acre lake was created by the Yuba County Water Agency by impounding the North Fork of the Yuba River for flood control, irrigation water storage, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. Construction of the 635-foot high concrete dam was completed…
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    • All About New Bullards Bar Reservoir, CA

    Lake Locations: USA - US West Region - California - Gold Country Region, CA -

    New Bullards Bar Reservoir is located on the west side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Yuba County, California, surrounded by the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests. This 4700-acre lake was created by the Yuba County Water Agency by impounding the North Fork of the Yuba River for flood control, irrigation water storage, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation. Construction of the 635-foot high concrete dam was completed in 1970. Water levels fluctuate about 150 feet a year.

    Water Ski Magazine rated Bullards Bar Reservoir as one of the best recreation lakes in the nation. With its spectacular vistas of Tahoe and Plumas National Forests, 55 miles of explorable shoreline, and deep, cool waters, it’s not hard to understand why.

    Two boat launch facilities provide public access to New Bullards Bar Reservoir. Begin your trip with a jaunt in a power boat and get acquainted with your new surroundings. Mosey on over to the 635-foot New Bullards Bar Dam, California’s second tallest dam, and stretch your neck as you gaze at the tumbling and steep dam wall. Investigate inlets and make your way to the feeder rivers, watching water tumble over boulders. Watch as wakeboarders and waterskiers speed across the glassy surface, jumping wakes and performing gravity-defying tricks. Find a new favorite spot, cut the motor, and drift along as you enjoy a picnic lunch under the warmth of the California sun. With that first water adventure, you’ll know why so many Bullards Bar Reservoir visitors become quick and lifelong devotees. Keep in mind that high speed boat operation is prohibited within 200 feet of the shoreline.

    If you really enjoy spending time on the water, consider a houseboat rental. Ranging from 45 to 60 feet, houseboat rentals are a popular way to spend your time at the lake. Imagine cooking a meal and eating on your own waterfront deck, diving into the cool Bullards Bar Reservoir waters off your own platform, and having the reflection of the moon as your nightlight.

    Year-round fishing options abound at the lake, featuring both warmwater and coldwater species such as Alabama spotted bass, bluegill, catfish, German browns, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, Kokanee salmon, redear sunfish, and rainbow trout. The primary angling treasure is the salmon, as Bullards Bar is home to the primary Kokanee fishery in California. Since the lake’s shoreline tumbles steeply into the water, shore fishing is all but impossible, making fishing from your boat the best option. As always, make sure you have a valid California fishing permit before you arrive.

    For the nature enthusiast, almost 20 miles of trails await you at New Bullards Bar Reservoir. Bullards Bar Trail, 7 Ball Trail, 8 Ball Trail, Rebel Ridge Trail, and Schoolhouse Trail offer you upfront looks at thick conifer forest, incredible aerial views of the lake, area wildlife, dazzling sunsets, and the beautiful flora that cover the Plumas and Tahoe National Forests.

    If nature hikes don’t quench your thirst for some one-on-one times with the great outdoors, consider spending a night or two under the constellations, camping at one of the New Bullards Bar Reservoir’s five campgrounds: Dark Day, Garden Point, Hornswoggle, Madrone, and Schoolhouse. Enjoy primitive campsites with onsite toilets, fire pits, and thousands of little night lights dancing above your head.

    Things to Do at New Bullards Bar Reservoir

    These are some activities in the New Bullards Bar Reservoir, CA area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Water Skiing
    • Wakeboarding
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • National Forest

    What Kind of Fish Are in New Bullards Bar Reservoir?

    New Bullards Bar Reservoir has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Catfish
    • Kokanee Salmon
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)
    • Salmon
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Spotted Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Trout
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    Find Places to Stay at New Bullards Bar Reservoir

    If you’re considering a New Bullards Bar Reservoir lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a New Bullards Bar Reservoir Vacation

    Our interactive New Bullards Bar Reservoir lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    New Bullards Bar Reservoir Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Yuba County Water Agency

    Surface Area: 4,700 acres

    Shoreline Length: 55 miles

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 1,732 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 1,956 feet

    Water Volume: 969,000 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1970

    Drainage Area: 489 sq. miles

    New Bullards Bar Reservoir Map
    Local Weather Forecast

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