Lake Piru lies in Ventura County, California, in the Los Padres National Forest next to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary and the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge. The Topatopa Mountains encompass Lake Piru laying the Piru Canyon. The Ventureño Chumash Indians called the reeds they used to make baskets piru.
The Chumash people include the Tataviam, and other related native peoples who spoke the Hoken language and traditionally inhabited the Southern California (SoCal) region. They were hunter gatherers who lived in the California coastlands and adjacent inland areas from Malibu northward to Estero Bay, and on the three northern Channel Islands off Santa Barbara.
It takes less than an hour from Santa Clarita and a little over an hour via the I-5 from Los Angeles to reach Lake Piru. Canyons and gorges surround Lake Piru in an extremely remote area with little to no developments. The Piru Canyon Road is the only road at Lake Piru, running along its eastern border. The Lake Piru Recreation Area is Lake Piru’s only park.
Boating Lake Piru
Does Lake Piru Allow Jet Skis?
Yes, you will find the jet ski regulations here.UWCD establishes boating regulations at Lake Piru. Boaters must follow its regulations or risk receiving a citation. Regulations can change throughout the year, and year to year.
The UWCD developed a Monitoring and Control Plan to contain the quagga mussel infestation. As part of that plan, a strict inspection policy is in effect for all watercraft entering and leaving Lake Piru. As of September 2023, only vessels entering Lake Piru are inspected, not leaving. Failure to undergo an inspection prior to launch may result in a citation.
Lake Piru Boating Regulations:
- Boaters should download and print the Lake Piru Vessel Inspection Permit Application. For more information, contact Lake Piru Rangers office at 805 521-1201 or United Water Conservation District (UWCD) at 805 525 4431.
- There are separate high-speed boating and fishing areas. The maximum speed limit on the lake is 35 MPH. Boats must be between 12-feet and 26-feet long. Canoes and kayaks over eight feet long are permitted in the special-use area.
- The UWCD allows personal watercraft (PWC) and motorized boats up to 26 feet in length. It allows 20 PWCs at Lake Piru at a time.
- The UWCD allows water skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing. Lake Piru offers three boat ramps and docks with 66 boat slips.
- Strong winds at Lake Piru make it a popular location for sailing. Winds typically pick up after 10 AM.
- There are separate Olive Grove Campground fees and day use fees for boats and PWCs.
- Tommy’s Boat Rentals provides boat, ski, surf board, tube, and wakeboards rentals at Lake Piru.
- Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding: Non-motorized watercraft are welcome and provide a quieter way to enjoy the lake.
- Operating any watercraft under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.
Does Lake Piru Have Whirlpools?
Lake Piru in Southern California is a man-made reservoir that has a history of boating and swimming accidents, but there are no natural whirlpools typically present in the lake. It is best to check with local authorities or park officials for up-to-date safety information and about specific hazards.
Possible Causes of Whirlpool-like Effects in Lake Piru:
- Underwater Currents or Discharge Points: As a reservoir, Lake Piru may have areas where water is released or pumped for irrigation or flood control. These discharge points can create strong currents that resemble whirlpools.
- Wind and Water Interaction: Strong winds can generate surface turbulence or swirling water patterns, especially in open areas of the lake.
- Drainage Structures: If the lake’s water levels are being lowered through an outlet or spillway, it can create suction and water movement near the release points.
- Uneven Lake Bottom: Variations in the depth and underwater topography can cause water to flow irregularly, potentially creating localized swirls.
Does Lake Piru Allow Jet Skis?
Yes, Lake Piru allows jet skiing and other water sports, but there are specific regulations and restrictions in place to ensure safety and protect the environment. For the latest information on rules and availability, it’s recommended to contact the Lake Piru Recreation Area before planning your visit.Below are details about the permitted activities:
Permitted Water Sports at Lake Piru:
Jet Skiing: Jet skiing is allowed during designated hours. Riders must follow speed limits and operate in areas where such activities are permitted.
Boating: Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed. Common activities include wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. Boats must follow posted speed limits, particularly near docks and no-wake zones.
Restrictions and Safety Regulations:
- All boaters and jet ski operators are required to have life jackets for each person onboard.
- Children under 13 must wear life jackets at all times.
- Certain areas of the lake have speed restrictions, especially near marinas or swimming zones.
- Watercraft must be inspected for invasive species like quagga mussels before launching.
- The lake may have specific hours for water activities, so check with the Lake Piru Recreation Area for current operating times.
- Operating any watercraft under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.
Facilities for Water Sports Enthusiasts
- Boat Launch Ramps: There are ramps for launching jet skis, boats, and other watercraft.
- Marina Services: The lake has a marina offering rentals and docking facilities.
Seasonal Availability:
Strong winds can make water sports challenging, especially for smaller watercraft like jet skis.
Water levels at Lake Piru can fluctuate, affecting access for certain activities.
Swimming Lake Piru
Can You Still Swim at Lake Piru?
The UWCD determines safety conditions at Lake Piru. It may, at certain times of the year, close the lake to swimming, parts or all of it to boating and water sports, and roads. The UWCD website lists all the closings and boating and swimming notices.
Visitors can swim in Lake Piru during season if UWCD is permitting swimming that year. Its season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. As of September 9, 2023, Lake Piru is closed to swimming until Memorial Day 2024.
Swimming Safety Concerns at Lake Piru
- While whirlpools are not a common danger, the lake is known for hidden hazards such as:
- Sudden Drop-offs: Uneven underwater terrain can surprise swimmers.
- Cold Water Temperatures: Hypothermia or cramping can occur, even in summer.
- Strong Winds: These can cause choppy water, making conditions challenging for small boats or swimmers.
Advice for Swimmers:
- Wear Life Jackets: Always wear a life jacket while boating or swimming.
- Check Weather Conditions: Avoid the lake during high winds or storms.
- Stay Alert in the Water: Be mindful of underwater hazards and currents, especially near dam infrastructure or outflows.
Camping Lake Piru
Can I Camp at Lake Piru?
Yes, Lake Piru offers camping facilities, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is managed by the UWCD, and its recreation area provides various camping options. For the latest details on camping availability, fees, and rules, visit the official Lake Piru Recreation Area website or contact their office directly.
This lake is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is managed by the UWCD. Its recreation area provides various camping options. Here’s what you need to know:
Does Lake Piru Allow Dogs?
The UWCD allows dogs in the recreation area but not in the water.
Does Lake Piru Have Bears?
Lake Piru supports habitats for a diverse species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Lake Piru attracts migratory birds like eagles, hawks, and other species that fly into breed and feed. It attracts anglers for its largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, redear sunfish, and rainbow trout.
Yes, bears live at Lake Piru, along with bobcats, deer, ducks, geese, mountain lions, ospreys, and many other wildlife species. Quagga mussel infestations cause problems at Lake Piru and across California by clogging pipes used for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower.
How Much Is Day Use at Lake Piru?
The day-use fee for Lake Piru in is 2024 $14 per vehicle during peak season. During the off-season, October through March, the day-use fee is $10 per vehicle.
Additional fees may apply for boats and pets. There is an $8 fee for motorized boats, $5 for non-motorized boats, and $3 per pet. These fees are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to verify with the official Lake Piru website or call ahead before visiting.
Fishing Lake Piru
What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Piru?
Lake Piru is popular with anglers for largemouth bass, catfish, and trout species. Other game species swimming around in Lake Piru include striped bass, bluegill, crappie, carp, and redear sunfish.
What Is the Largest Fish in Lake Piru?
Lake Piru’s largest species is the channel catfish. Channel catfish in Lake Piru grow to substantial sizes. Anglers report catching channel catfish over 20 pounds.
The second largest fish title in Lake Piru belongs to the largemouth bass. Bass. They exceed seven pounds, especially in cooler months. Their predominant prey is hatchery trout. These two species make Lake Piru a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Hiking Lake Piru
Lake Piru offers hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. One notable trail is the Pothole Trail, which starts near the lake and extends into the Los Padres National Forest. The trail offers scenic views, making it a favorite for hikers looking to explore the area’s natural beauty.
The trail has varying conditions, with some sections experiencing overgrowth or storm damage. Hikers should be prepared for potential challenges and check current trail conditions. Another option is the Agua Blanca Trail.
The Agua Blanca Trail begins near Lake Piru and follows Agua Blanca Creek. This trail features stunning landscapes and leads to unique spots like Devil’s Gateway. It is accessible but may require careful navigation in some areas due to stream crossings and minor obstacles.
How deep is Lake Piru, California?
The Lake Peru Recreation Area has one campground, The Olive Grove Campground, and two group campsites. The United Water Conservation District (UWCD) owns and operates Lake Piru. Over the years, Lake Piru has suffered droughts and floods, and parts or all of it may be closed at times.
Lake Piru is 130 to 160-feet deep and covers 1,240 acres when full, with 12 miles of shoreline.
How full is Lake Piru Right Now?
The Piru Creek, a tributary of the Santa Clara River, and other creeks feed Lake Piru. Until spring 2023, SoCal experienced a years-long drought. Over the years, Lake Piru has had its ups and downs concerning its water level.
The SoCal 2023 spring floods filled Lake Piru in 2023 to 311% over its full capacity. On September 29, 2023, Lake Piru was 307% over its full capacity.
When Did Lake Piru Open?
Lake Piru is the only lake in Ventura county that allows swimming if conditions are safe. Based on historical newspaper accounts, development of the Piru Canyon began in the 1880s. David C. Cook founded the town of Piru in 1887 after purchasing 14,000 acres in Piru Canyon.
In 1955, construction of the Santa Felicia Dam began over Piru Creek, which created Lake Piru. Cook built miles of roads and irrigation ditches for his farm, where he grew almonds, apricots, chestnuts, grapes, olive trees, oranges, English walnuts, and other crops.
Why Is Lake Piru Notorious for Drownings?
There are several reasons why Lake Piru is known for a high rate of drownings. Swimmers of all abilities need to wear life vests approved by the U.S. Coast Guard in Lake Piru. Even the strongest swimmer can find themselves easily overwhelmed, even though most people who have drowned were inexperienced swimmers.
A combination of strong afternoon winds and columns of cold water temperatures, dangerous whirlpools, drop-offs, and rip currents present a high-risk for drowning at Lake Piru. When a victim disappears in Lake Piru, it can take days, weeks, and sometimes months to recover their body.
Lake Piru’s high winds cause unstable boating conditions that can cause people to fall overboard and sweep swimmers too far out to get back to shore. Its waters are extremely choppy in the afternoon. Whirlpools form when opposite flowing currents collide and create a strong vortex.
The Santa Felicia Dam causes Lake Piru’s rip currents. UCWD stores water in Lake Piru in winter and spring, and releases water from the dam, if needed, in September and October. Swimmers can encounter drop-offs unexpectedly and a fast-moving current can pick them up as Lake Piru is extremely deep.
One man, wearing a life vest, drowned as a current or whirlpool pulled him under Lake Piru. Glee actress Naya Rivera disappeared under Lake Piru on July 8, 2020. Officials found her body floating in Lake Piru five days later. Lake Piru has low underwater visibility and a mesh of aquatic plants growing in the lake bed, which can hold on to drowning victims.
