Bishop, California, sits in the eastern Sierra, a gateway to towering peaks, desert expanses, and rugged high country. But when it comes to boat tours near Bishop, California, the options are limited—not because water is absent, but because the terrain and available bodies of water don’t lend themselves to organized boating excursions. The local lakes and rivers such as Owens River and nearby Crowley Lake do offer fishing and kayaking, but guided boat tours in a traditional sense are not an established activity here.

Owens River runs with a purposeful current, weaving through the valley and daring paddlers to test its flow, mostly suited for kayaking and fly fishing rather than commercial boating tours. Crowley Lake, a reservoir known for trout fishing and stunning mountain backgrounds, invites day outings with small personal watercraft rather than organized tours.

Due to Bishop’s high desert climate and geography, your best bet for water-based adventure is self-guided kayaking, canoeing, or fishing trips rather than packaged boat tours. For those committed to placing themselves on water, preparing your own gear and monitoring weather conditions is essential.

If you're set on experiencing boat tours, the closest notable options lie farther afield in the Sierra Nevada, primarily around June Lake or Mammoth Lakes. Both areas offer larger lakes that support recreational boating and guided excursions. Planning your trip to include these destinations will provide access to boat tours combined with the dramatic outdoor beauty typical of the region.

While boat tours near Bishop, California, specifically, are scarce, the area blooms with other top-notch outdoor adventures. Hiking in the Eastern Sierra, exploring ancient bristlecone pine forests, fishing, and climbing dominate visitor activities. Our page showcases the best adventures in Bishop to help you experience this landscape to its fullest beyond the water.

For visitors craving water, try planning kayak rentals at Crowley Lake or a fly fishing charter on Owens River. Equip yourself with practical gear and timing advice to engage directly with this fiercely wild environment. Given the demands of this altitude and terrain, preparation and respect for the elements will make any water-related outing rewarding.