Blauert on Outdoors: Great locations to visit in Fresno area

I’ve never been to New Jersey, but I doubt it could be as bad as comedians say it is. I believe this because I have been to Fresno, and I know it’s far better than the standard jokes make it out to be.

Two weeks ago, I started writing about trails along the San Joaquin River in the Fresno area and used up my allotted space before I had gotten beyond describing the Eaton, MacMichael and Hidden Homes trails between Woodward Park and the River Center.

In addition to these river access points, several others are worthy of a visit if you are in the Fresno area. Starting at Highway 99 and following the river uphill toward its source, here are some great places to visit – especially in the cooler months:

Sycamore Island: In my experience, this is the best place to fish on the lower San Joaquin River. In addition to river access, there are several large ponds. Hatchery trout are planted in the late fall and winter, and bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish can be caught year-round from the shore or by boat. Access is $9 per vehicle plus $5 for a boat trailer. Sycamore Island will reopen to visitors on Fridays, weekends and holidays starting Feb. 1. Hours are 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through March and are extended to 7 p.m. in April and 8:30 p.m. through August.

The entrance is on Avenue 7 on the Madera County side of the river. A bait store and restrooms are available. If you follow Avenue 9 from either Highway 99 or 41, you’ll see the signs for Sycamore Island just west of Valley Children’s Hospital.

For more information, go to www.riverparkway.org/index.php/things-to-do/fishing-at-sycamore-island or call (559) 248-8480.

Woodward Park: Located high on the river bluff east of Highway 41, this park and bird sanctuary offers bike/pedestrian/equestrian pathways, picnic areas and shelters for every size of group, several ponds, a traditional Japanese garden, playgrounds, mountain bike terrain and obstacles, disc golf and a large amphitheater. For more information, go to www.fresno.gov or call (559) 621-2900. Day use is $5 per vehicle.

Jensen Ranch: Accessed through Woodward Park or the Eaton Trail, this park is in the lowlands between the bluff and river. The Tom MacMichael Sr. Trail loops through the area and offers access to the river. If you visit Woodward Park or walk/ride the Eaton Trail, you should definitely take the time to visit Jensen Ranch.

River Center: Linked to Woodward Park and Jensen Ranch by the Eaton Trail, the River Center is the headquarters of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. The gate is open for parking and access to the Eaton Trail and the short, family-oriented Hidden Homes Nature Trail from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. The visitor center and gift shop are also open on weekends. The River Center offers regular activities anyone can sign up for, including canoe and kayak trips. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the river, especially if you don’t have any experience on the water. For more information, go to www.riverparkway.org or call the River Center at (559) 248-8480.

Lost Lake: A bit farther up the river from the River Center, this Fresno County Park is best known for pond fishing, but it also provides access to a significant stretch of the San Joaquin – a popular place to picnic, camp, fish and launch rafts, kayaks and canoes. The 1-mile, round-trip nature trail along the river is well worth exploring, despite the few places where rocks and trees have been defaced with spray paint. For more information, go to www.co.fresno.ca.us/DepartmentPage.aspx?id=51939 or call (559) 600-3004.

San Joaquin Hatchery: Located a couple of miles below the dam in the small town of Friant, this is one of the largest hatcheries in the state and a great place to see trout of all sizes. You can use quarters to purchase feed from vending machines and toss it into the water to see trout boil to the surface. For more information, go to www.dfg.ca.gov/fish/Hatcheries/SanJoaquin/ or call (559) 822-2374.

Millerton Lake: Created by Friant Dam between 1937 and 1942, this large lake offers boating, fishing, trails, camping and picnicking. My favorite climb is the 1.2-mile round-trip trek to the top of Buzzard’s Rest for grand views of the lake and Central Valley – especially good on clear days after storms. For more information, go to www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=587 or call (559) 822-2332.

This story was originally published January 14, 2015 at 12:04 AM with the headline "Blauert on Outdoors: Great locations to visit in Fresno area."