Contents and photos copyright 2003-2009 K Franson, J Franson, Westernpaddling.com, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.
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South Lake
(Bishop Creek area)
Location: About 22 miles Southwest of Bishop, California.
Getting There: US 395 goes through downtown Bishop. Downtown, turn West (towards Sierra) on Line Street, which is also Calif. Hwy 168. 4 miles before you reach Lake Sabrina, there is a marked turnoff heading left, which ends at South Lake. Most of the drive is along Hwy 168, which is quite fast and an easy mountain drive.
Camping/Lodging: No camping or lodging on the lake, but several campgrounds and lodges on the road to the lake.
Put-In/Take-Out: Paved, narrow launch ramp is about the only suitable put-in.
Good Points: Surrounded by high mountains and granite walls. Beautiful scenery. Island near mid-lake (based on higher lake levels).
Not-as-Good Points: No beaches, but there are areas that you can land for a picnic, especially at the West end of the lake. Can be cold. A popular fishing lake, wear footwear so you do not accidentally pick up a hook from the shoreline.
Lake Size:
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Photos of South Lake from September 2009 paddle.
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Photos from a paddle on July 8, 2008
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New photos from 12 August 2007. Photos taken during one of the kayak club outings.
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The Launch ramp. No fee, but there is a sign at the "marina" building requesting $5 donation to help stock lake.
Above Left - Right side of photo shows portion of the mid-lake island. Above Right - Picnic table by launch ramp.
Above Left - Photo was taken shortly after paddling away from the launch area. Above Right - Dam can be seen on left of photo. Launch ramp blends into the granite, it is located directly ahead of our kayak's bow.
Above Left - Northern side of the channel around the mid-lake island.
Above - Both Photos - Channel around the mid-lake island can be seen. Photos taken from the West side of the lake, near a number of streams that provide a small "beach" area that allows a pleasant stop.
Above Left - This is bear country! Above Right - Did we mention it can get cold at South Lake? Just above 9,700 ft in elevation. The first snow of the season has arrived, and streams are beginning to freeze. Photos taken November 4, 2005, about 75 ft from the shoreline.
Above Left - Portion of the mid-lake island. Above Right - Kayak bow is pointing at the channel around the island. Note snow on the bow.
Above - There is not parking right at the launch ramp. Actual parking starts about 150 ft away.
Above, Left and Right - Part of creek just below the Dam. The Bishop Creek Recreational Area is very popular with fisherman, and is regularly stocked with trout.
Above Left - Fishing in creek below South Lake's Dam. Above Right - Food boxes to keep bears away.
Above Left - View of a small portion of South Lake from the parking lot pictured in photo to the right. The mid-lake island can be seen.
Above Left - Another view of the launch ramp. Due to the height of the mountains surrounding the lake, "dusk" arrives a little early.
