Photo Credit John Beynon

Hensley Lake offers a wide range of aquatic activities. Boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and paddling are all permitted on this expansive lake located in the foothills northeast of Madera, about 6 miles north of Millerton Lake.

The diverse terrain surrounding the lake provides stunning scenic splendor, especially in the three coves along the southeastern shore. These coves are accessible from a free boat launch off Buck Ridge Road, making them an ideal spot for novice paddlers. The Buck Ridge Day Use Area sits directly on the lakeshore, surrounded by the oak woodlands of the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering a mix of sun and shade.

Hensley Lake is renowned as a premier bass fishery, attracting many kayak anglers. It also supports healthy populations of crappie, sunfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout. However, decreasing water levels due to irrigation releases are creating challenges for boaters as more rocks and shallow areas are being exposed daily, reducing navigable water.

Overall, Hensley Lake provides a diverse array of recreational opportunities amidst beautiful natural scenery, though fluctuating water levels pose an ongoing obstacle for users.

Map of Hensley Lake