If you grew up in Northern California, you’ve probably spent a weekend at Lake Shasta or Oroville. They are big, beautiful, and… crowded.
This year, why not trade the crowds for the cove? Here is why Bullards Bar Reservoir is often called the “Emerald Gem” of the Sierra foothills.
- The Water Color (and Temp!) There is a reason we are home to Emerald Cove Marina. The water here is a stunning, crystal-clear turquoise. Even better? Because Bullards Bar is slightly shallower and more protected than the giant reservoirs, our surface temperatures often hit a perfect 75–80°F in the summer. It’s refreshing, not freezing.
- Trees to the Waterline One of the biggest complaints about other local lakes is the barren, muddy banks during drawdown years. At Bullards Bar, the steep canyon walls remain heavily forested right down to the waterline. This means more shade for your houseboat, more wind protection in the coves, and a feeling of being truly lost in nature.
- Quiet Nights We don’t have the massive freeway noise or the nonstop party traffic of bigger lakes. Bullards Bar is where you come to actually hear the crickets, spot a bald eagle, and see the stars without light pollution.
- World-Class Kokanee Fishing While the surface is warm for swimming, the deep channels hold some of the best Kokanee salmon fishing in the state. Anglers know that the “nice catch” here isn’t just a fish story.
Ready to see the difference for yourself?
