Pleasant Valley Reservoir, CA

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power officially opened Pleasant Valley Reservoir for year round float tubing December 13, 1998. This is the first time any form of watercraft has been allowed on the reservoir since it was built in the early 1950's. Other forms of watercraft, such as boats, are still prohibited there. Four reservoir access trails and signs identifying trail locations were built by California Conservation Corps crews as part of the float-tubing project.

An outstanding year-round fishery, Pleasant Valley Reservoir is located in a canyon along the Chalk Bluffs six miles north of Bishop off Highway 395 (make a right hand turn at Pleasant Valley Road, it is about a 1 1/2 miles to the reservoir, just past the campground). Very popular with both locals and visitors alike, many fishermen drive to the dam and then load their bicycles with tackle and pedal along the 2 mile long paved road (closed to motor vehicles) that lines the reservoir until they come to a likely spot. The reservoir is also the site of the Bishop Chambers Blake Jones Trout Derby held every March.

It is also possible to enter the reservoir from the north end at Gorge Road, 9 miles north of Bishop, at the bottom of Sherwin Grade on U.S. 395. Turn east, then drive a short way up to the pipeline and then turn right, this will take you to the power plant where there is plenty of parking for anglers. Here you will find the Owens River coming out of the power plant and slowly widening into the reservoir. Excellent stream fishing conditions are found here.