your paddlesports destination

Lake Buena Vista in California

Trip Overview

I heard about these lakes last summer, but found that they are jet ski and water ski sites. Then I stumbled onto the winter fishing season.

I have a OT Canoe (146k) and fish or paddle from it as much as possible. Paddling and or fishing is allowed only on Lake Evans (the smaller of the 2 lakes) Lake Webb is closed, so the crowds are very small. The last 2 times there have been only 4-5 boats on the lake and the speed is less than 5 mph. so it is quiet. It has been foggy and cold, so layer the clothing as the sun could pop out and then it could warm up.

The wildlife is abundant, birds anyway, pelicans, shore birds, ducks, etc.

First trip I fished with Power Bait and only got bites, yesterday we used nightcrawlers and my son got 2 beautiful rainbows. They stock up to 15-pounders! I saw pictures in the store of 10-pnders as well as large catfish.

So for some nice paddling or fishing it is a good easy trip.


Camping, picnic areas, rest rooms, c-store. There is a Texaco gas stop just outside the gates, with a Taco Bell, Subway , etc.


Cal Fishing Lic required. It's $5 day use another $5 boat fee (unless you have a Kern County boat permit) and $5 per fisherman (kids are $1 to fish)....So less than $20 for a day of paddling/fishing.


Buena Vista Lakes are west of the I-5 and quite a bit west of Bakersfield. Form the I-5, exit at Highway 43 and go south to the lake. From Highway 99, exit at Panama Lane and keep going west thru Bakersfield. When you reach a "T" intersection at the I-5, go LEFT and stay on that road (Highway 43) to the lakes. Here's a link

  • Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: Flat/Sheltered Water
  • Group Rates: No

Locations on this Trip