Kings River SAFE

The Kings River SAFE (Safety, Access, Flow, and Emergency Information) program is dedicated to providing current safety and public access information for all river users. Use the tabs below to explore important information about safety and regulations on the water.

Or use our interactive, GPS enabled online map to view current river flows, public access points and their amenities, permanent and reported hazards on the water, and to plan your trip!

Interactive SAFE Map

If you've encountered a hazard on the water that may pose a danger to boaters or floaters, please report it on this form to have it added to the SAFE map.

Report a Hazard

Boating Information

POWER BOATING REGULATIONS

Upstream of Olson Ave:

10 MPH max
5 MPH max within 200’ of a kayak or raft

Between Olson Ave and Kingsburg:

40 MPH max - Fresno County
30 MPH max - Tulare County
5 MPH max within 100’ of a swimmer
5 MPH max within 200’ of a boat launch
5 MPH max sunset to sunrise

Slower, less maneuverable craft always have the right-of-way.

WEIRS AND PORTAGES

Portaging a weir (or low-head dam) means safely exiting your watercraft and carrying it—along with your gear—around the obstacle.

Weirs are dangerous because the uniform drop creates a recirculating hydraulic "hole" that can trap and drown paddlers.

Never attempt to run or drop over a man-made weir.

SAFE BOATING CHECKLIST

Coast Guard approved lifejacket for every person in your group
Throwable rescue device, cushion, or throw bag
First aid kit
Bailing bucket and patch kit
Flashlight, whistle, and insect repellent
Leave the liquor behind! Alcohol use by boat operators or passengers is a major factor in ½ of all boating fatalities.

Fishing Information

FISHING REGULATIONS

North Riverside Access Park to Cobbles (Alta) Weir

Put and take Trout reach (bag limit 5)

Cobbles (Alta) Weir to Highway 180

Catch and release Trout reach (bag limit 0)

Only artificial lures with barbless hooks allowed

Highway 180 to Kingsburg

Put and take Trout reach (bag limit 5)

FISHING LICENSES

A sport fishing license is required for any person ages 16+ attempting to take fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians, or reptiles in inland or ocean waters.

Licenses can be purchased from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife here.

COMMON FISH OF THE KINGS RIVER

Rainbow Trout
Bass
Crappie
Catfish
Carp
Three-spined Stickleback
California Roach
Sacramento Sucker
Sculpin
Lamprey

Kings River Safety

LIABILITY AND RISK

Boating, floating, and swimming are assumed risk activities. You are responsible for your own safety.

For life-threatening emergencies or to report an incident in progress, immediately dial 911.

RIVER ETIQUETTE

Pack it in, pack it out
Be courteous to others
Pass fishermen on the opposite side of the river whenever possible
Do not trespass on private property!

TYPES OF RIVER HAZARDS

Strainer: Fallen trees, logjams, or debris in the water that allows water to move through but can trap people or boats

Sweeper: Low hanging branches that can capsize watercraft or "sweep" people from their boats

Eddy: Current of water that flows in a circular motion, often downstream of an obstacle like a rock

Sieve: Obstructions made by rocks or the riverbed that allow water to pass but block boats

Undercut: Eroded base of a rock face or riverbank that creates a hollowed-out overhang or underwater cave

Life Jacket Safety

IMPORTANCE

Life jackets provide flotation and help maintain visibility in the water, which is crucial during recreational activities like boating, floating, or swimming in the river.

Always ensure your lifejacket is Coast Guard approved, inspect your jacket for rips or tears and check that all straps and buckles are working properly before use.

FITTING YOUR LIFEJACKET

Check the label for the size and weight of intended users
Put the life jacket on and buckle all straps/zip all zippers
Tighten straps until the life jacket fits snugly
Gently lift on life jacket arm openings - if the jacket rides up above the chin or ears, it is too big
Ensure there are no gaps - if you can easily slide your hands inside the jacket or if the jacket rotates around your torso, it is too big

Stewardship

THE KINGS RIVER IS A NATIONAL TREASURE

From its headwaters high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, through Kings Canyon National Park, and down to the Valley floor, the Kings River is a vital economic, ecological, and recreational resource.

It's our shared responsibility to protect the river for future generations.

Join us at an upcoming Kings River Clean Up day! Clean ups take place on the third Saturday of each month.

BE A RIVER STEWARD

Leave no trace. Use trash cans or other waste receptacles, or pack in and out all litter you produce while out on the river.
Pick up and properly dispose of any pet waste.
Don't dump large items! Items like appliances and tires contain hazardous chemicals which can leech into the river water, and can contribute to our cause wildfires. Instead, utilize Fresno County's Community Clean Up Coupon and contact your local waste disposal agency to arrange free pick up or drop off.
Respect natural features. Graffiti on rock faces and other natural landscapes compromises historic cultural sites and interrupts the natural beauty of the river.
Recreate responsibly. Do not trespass on private property.

Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to help users identify potential river hazards and make more informed decisions, but it is not a substitute for personal judgment, proper training, official warnings, local knowledge, or professional advice.

Boating, floating, and swimming are assumed risk activities. You are responsible for your own safety.

For life-threatening emergencies or to report an incident in progress, immediately dial 911.