Millerton Lake, Reservoir in Fresno and Madera counties, California, United States

Millerton Lake is a reservoir on the San Joaquin River in Fresno and Madera counties, California, United States, held back by the 97-metre-high Friant Dam. Its deep blue water carries sailboats and orange buoys, with a low tan-brown island near the middle right. Dark brown, horizontally layered earth banks drop to the water in the foreground, and dry golden-brown grassy slopes descend along the edges.

Construction of Friant Dam began in 1939 and was completed in 1942 to provide irrigation water for farms across the San Joaquin Valley. The flooding of the reservoir led to the abandonment of the town of Millerton, which had previously served as the first county seat of Fresno County.

The name Millerton comes from the old settlement now submerged beneath the water, once home to gold miners and traders. Visitors find campgrounds and boat ramps around the water where families come for fishing and water sports.

The water level of the reservoir fluctuates with the seasons and irrigation releases, which changes the shoreline throughout the year. Boat ramps and trails may be harder to reach during low water periods, especially in late summer and fall.

At the bottom of the reservoir lie remains of the old town of Millerton, including building foundations and streets that sometimes become visible when the water level drops. Three hydroelectric plants at the reservoir generate power from the released water, with two smaller facilities dedicated specifically to operating fish hatcheries.