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Pine Flat Lake - Site # 310 |
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Background: | The area surrounding Pine Flat Lake and Dam offers abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing. The ecosystems within the park are typical of the Sonoran Life Zone. Grasslands, oak woodland chaparral, oak woodland yellow pine, and chaparral are the dominant vegetative types. The plant species represented in the area are typical of most of the foothill regions of the western flank of the Sierra Nevada. During early spring, flowering plants add substantially to the charm of the area. Along the serpentine 67 miles of lakeshore numerous animals, birds, and reptiles can be viewed. Deer, raccoons, ducks, and hawks can all be seen on occasion. The area below Pine Flat Dam along the Kings River is a Riparian Corridor that is home to Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and many other types of birds and animals. Foot paths along the riverbanks allow for a quality wildlife viewing experience and opportunities for good fishing. |
| The Park Headquarters and informational bulletin boards located throughout the park have brochures that educate the public of the park's local history, recreational opportunities, and laws and regulations. |
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The Habitat: | Ecosystems within the park are typical of the Sonoran Life Zone. Grasslands, oak woodland chaparral, oak woodland yellow pine, and chaparral are the dominant vegetative types (80%), with riparian corridors along the upper and Lower Kings River (20%). |
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The Experience: | Both warm-water and cold-water fisheries have been established in the area. The 15 mile section of the Kings River, immediately downstream from Pine Flat Dam, is stocked with Rainbow Trout during the angling season. Trout fishing in this section of the river is reported to be good. Above the lake, the Kings River supports a 'Wild Trout Fishery', established as a distinct and separate program for selected waters of the state by the California Department of Fish and Game. The Lower Kings River has become a seasonal nesting site for Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles. The Pine Flat Lake and Dam project in its entirety provides a quality habitat for predatory, migrant, and resident species of birds as well. |
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Wildlife and Where to Find It: | Car, trail (3 mi, moderate difficulty), overlooks, boat. |
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Viewing Tips: | Excellent chance of seeing Bald Eagles, hawks, and ducks during winter. Deer, coyotes, and hawks, along with other types of birds and animals can be viewed occasionally year-round. Fishing can be enjoyed year-round.
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Site Notes: | Pine Flat Lake's capacity of storing one million acre feet of water provides ample recreational boating, wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities. The lake is home to many fishing tournaments and received an award in 2006 for being among the Top 25 Fishing Spots in the nation among federally operated lakes. Turnouts for wildlife viewing are located along the roadways of the lake and the river. The Upper Kings River, which flows into the lake, and the Lower Kings River below the dam, provide a quality outdoor experience for both fisherman and wildlife viewers alike. |
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Nearby Viewing Sites: | Sierra National Forest borders park lands on the north shore of the lake and Sequoia National Forest borders park lands on the south shore of the lake. |
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Visitor Information: | Sanger Chamber of Commerce - 559-875-4575 - www.sanger.org |
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: |
Staff On-site: | Yes |
Open: | Everday |
Hours: | 24 hours per day |
Year Round: | Yes |
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Road Information: |
Paved. Dirt. |
| Road Hazards: Narrow winding road with blind corners, no guard rails, free range cattle, and steep drop offs along north shore of lake. |
| Number of Parking Spaces: 0 |
| Parking Fee: No |
| Proximity to viewing area:varies depending on recreation area |
| Pull-Through Parking: Yes |
| Parking Notes: |
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How to Get There: | From Fresno, CA: Take CA-Hwy 180 east to the Clovis Ave. exit, Turn right (south) on Clovis Ave. for 0.1 mile, Turn left (east) on Belmont Ave. for approx. 18 miles - here Belmont Ave. changes names (no turning required) to Trimmer Springs Rd., Continue on Trimmer Springs Rd. for approx. 10 miles. To go to the Park Headquarters turn right (south) on Pine Flat Rd. for 3 miles where the road ends at the Park Headquarters. To go to the lake, do not turn on Pine Flat Rd. and continue on Trimmer Springs Rd. for approx. 7 miles. |
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Contact Information |
Managing Agency: | US Army Corps of Engineers |
Agency Site URL: | www.spk.usace.army.mil/pineflat.html |
Physical Address: | 27295 Pine Flat Road Sanger, CA 93657 |
Agency 2: | P.O. Box 117 Piedra, CA 93649 |
Manager Phone: | 559-787-2589 |
Contact Us: | by Email |
Site Phone: | 559-787-2589 | | |
County: | Fresno |
Addition Website: |
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