Watersports On Whiskeytown Lake

There’s no argument that Whiskeytown Lake is the big attraction at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California. There are opportunities to paddle, swim, waterski, scuba dive, fish, sail, and motorboat on the clear lake water, while exploring the numerous coves, inlets, and 40 miles (64.4 kilometers) of shoreline.

Paddling

If you brought your own kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, the three best places from which to launch are Oak Bottom Marina and Brandy Creek Marina, as well as the Whiskey Creek arm of Whiskeytown Lake.

If you didn’t bring anything but still want to get out and paddle the lake, you can rent a single, double, four-person, or pedal kayak (prices ranging from $45-$100 for a half day or $75-$200 for a full day), or stand-up paddleboards ($45 half day and $75 full day) from Whiskeytown Marinas, LLC, which rents these and other boats year-round at Oak Bottom Marina and seasonally from Brandy Creek Marina. You can even reserve your watercraft online.

Where should you take your canoe, kayak, or paddleboard? According to paddlecalifornia.com, paddling out in the wide-open main body of the lake means you will experience “gusty winds and choppy waters from powerboats,” so anywhere away from that area will allow for calmer paddling conditions.

Park Staff recommend the following:

Boulder Creek: An easy paddle south of the Oak Bottom Boat Launch or Marina area. Paddling between Star Island and the mainland will give you a chance to see some of the lake’s seasonal residents. Look for osprey nests at the top of trees near the water, and you might spot one of these skilled fish hunters circling above. Continuing along the shoreline, you’ll reach Boulder Creek. The creek’s name is apparent as car-sized boulders dot the landscape above and below the waterline. There is also a sandy area at Boulder Creek inlet, which is a popular spot for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing.

Davis Gulch: Located just east of the Brandy Creek area, Davis Gulch is accessible by both water and trail. The area offers swimming spots and the opportunity to observe wildlife. Watch for lake trout, pike minnows, and western box turtles sunning themselves on logs. You may also encounter river otters, great blue herons, green herons, and belted kingfishers.

Whiskey Creek: The Whiskey Creek arm of the reservoir offers a mix of wildlife and historical interest. Paddle a hundred yards north from the boat launch to explore this area, where you might see osprey, bald eagles, or great blue herons. You may also spot remnants of California’s gold mining history. During certain times of the year, you could even witness Kokanee salmon runs as they lay eggs for the next generation. Keep an eye out for bears along the shore as they hunt for salmon.

If you don’t feel like spending even a half day out on the water, but still want to experience paddling the lake for a couple of hours, there are ranger-led kayak and paddleboard tours, as staffing allows. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, kayak tours are offered Friday through Monday at 9:00 am. Paddleboard tours are offered Friday through Monday at 1:30 pm. All equipment is provided. Not only will you enjoy being out on the water, but rangers will interpret the natural and historic features you will see from this watery perspective. To take one of these ranger-led tours, you must reserve a spot through recreation.gov, which charges a non-refundable administrative fee of one dollar.

Motor Boating

Whiskeytown Lake is the perfect spot for waterskiing, fishing, and exploring the lake’s coastline and inlets via power boat. You can launch your watercraft from Oak Bottom or Brandy Creek Marinas. If you don’t have a motorboat but still want to enjoy the water, Whiskeytown Marinas, LLC, offers half- and full-day rentals for fishing, ski, deck, and pontoon boats (which can accommodate up to 10 people). Bring or rent an inner tube or wakeboard for some extra fun on the lake with your boat as a base.

Note: Personal watercraft (PWC) such as jet skis are prohibited on Whiskeytown Lake.

Fishing

If you brought your rod and reel and feel like practicing your angling skills to catch something for dinner), Whiskeytown Lake is the perfect waterbody for this sport. You might hook a rainbow trout, kokanee salmon (the landlocked subspecies of sockeye salmon), bass, bluegill, crappie, and maybe even channel catfish. You’ll need a fishing license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife if you are 16 years or older. You can’t rent a rod or reel in the park, but you can rent a boat to go out on the lake, and the Oak Bottom Marina sells fishing tackle. Note: Live minnows cannot be used as bait at Whiskeytown. 

Boat launch areas are Brandy Creek Marina, Oak Bottom and Whiskey Creek. There are handicapped accessible fishing piers at Whiskey Creek and Oak Bottom.

For more detailed information about fishing in the park, including regulations, license information, and FAQs, click on the Fishing link above.

Swimming And Picnicking

Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit for a dip in Whiskeytown Lake. During the summer, the water can reach surface temperatures of nearly 80° Fahrenheit (26.7° Celsius).

There are three main swim beaches (Brandy Creek Beach, Oak Bottom Beach, East Beach) with roped-off areas specifically for swimming, as well as picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Both Brandy Creek and Oak Bottom beaches have concession-operated stores during the summer, where you can purchase snacks and pay your park entry fee.

After a refreshing dip in the lake’s water, take time out for a picnic lunch. In addition to the beaches listed above, there are other areas perfect for unwinding and enjoying a meal al fresco at this national recreation area, such as Crystal Creek Falls and Carr Powerhouse. There’s even a Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Area with three sites: Site 1 has seven picnic tables, Site 2 has four picnic tables, and Site 3 has three picnic tables. Open during the summer season, reservations must be made through recreation.gov to use one of these sites.

Water Safety

Safety is a top priority at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. All boats, including kayaks and paddleboards, must have lifejackets onboard for each person. Youth under the age of 16 must wear lifejackets while on the water. Additional recommended safety gear includes a noise-producing device like a whistle, a first aid kit, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lights for both the boat and passengers if you're out at night. Don’t forget the water and snacks and remember to pack out what you pack in.

For information about life jackets and boating licenses, click here.