PG&E lakes, reservoirs and watershed lands
Understand PG&E's watershed land support
Hydroelectric power is a clean and dependable source of energy and PG&E has been in the business of hydroelectric power generation for over a century. Our hydroelectric system is comprised of more than 100 reservoirs, numerous powerhouses and various other facilities located across the PG&E service territory. These facilities are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as well as the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
Visit hydropower and water safety
Find out about using our facilities
PG&E strives to be a steward of the environment and we hold ourselves to the highest standards to protect California’s pristine lands. It is our responsibility to manage the areas associated with our hydroelectric recreational facilities, including boat docks, buoys and recreational home sites, and uses requiring licenses, leases or other forms of agreement. Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Download the PG&E Watershed Lands Leases and Licenses FAQ (PDF, 276 KB)
If you have questions regarding leases and licenses at Bass Lake, Bucks Lake or Lake Almanor, review the information in our Hydro Support Team Contact map. For areas not listed, contact your area Hydro Support Land Agent at 530-896-4241.
Download the Hydro Support Team Contact Map (PDF, 1.2 MB)
Bass Lake
Bass Lake is located in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains in Madera County. The lake was developed in 1904 by A.G. Wishon and William B. Day as a water-storage operation with the construction of the Crane Valley Dam. Bass Lake is approximately 5 miles long and 0.5 miles wide, with just under 15 miles of shoreline. Bass Lake’s pine-trimmed shores and warm waters attract a variety of recreational uses including skiing, boating, fishing, sailing and much more.
PG&E works with the public to ensure responsible use of the lake and shoreline. It is our goal to protect and preserve this beautiful l wildlife habitat that also provides recreation and economic benefits to the community. Please direct any questions to basslake@pge.com.
Download the Bass Lake Dock Agreement Application (PDF, 1.1 MB)
Bucks Lake
During the Gold Rush of 1850, three men took up a land claim in Bucks Valley. One of the men, Horace Buckman, became Bucks Lake’s namesake. Prior to the Gold Rush era, the area was the summer home and hunting ground of the Maidu. Bucks Lake is now an integral part of PG&E’s hydroelectric system and home to several campgrounds, numerous recreational home sites and businesses. The lake supports an abundant cold-water fishery including several trout species, kokanee salmon, and sunfish. The remoteness of the lake and majesty of the surrounding wilderness make Bucks Lake an ideal locale.
PG&E works with the public to ensure responsible use of the lake and shoreline. It is our goal to protect and preserve this beautiful l wildlife habitat that also provides recreation and economic benefits to the community. Please direct any questions to buckslake@pge.com.
Resource documents to download:
Download the Bucks Lake Dock and Buoy Agreement Application (PDF, 780 KB)
Download the Bucks Lake Rip Rap (PDF, 568 KB)
Lake Almanor
Lake Almanor is the largest reservoir in PG&E’s hydroelectric system and has been generating clean energy since 1914. PG&E’s predecessor, Great Western Power, completed the dam and filled the lake that year. The area was known as Big Meadows before the construction of the dam and was the historical home of the Mountain Maidu. Lake Almanor sits at 4,500 feet and has approximately 52 miles of shoreline. The lake has just under 44 square miles of surface area.
Lake Almanor is home to a large osprey population, grebe, bald eagles, trout, bass, salmon, otters and many other species. PG&E works with the public to ensure responsible use of the lake and shoreline. It is our goal to protect and preserve this beautiful l wildlife habitat that also provides recreation and economic benefits to the community. Please direct any questions to almanor@pge.com.
Resource documents to download:
Download the Lake Almanor Agreement Assignment (PDF, 1.2 MB)
Download the Lake Almanor Dock and Buoy Agreement Application (PDF, 1.1 MB)
Download the Lake Almanor Rip Rap Agreement Application (PDF, 674 KB)
