BASS LAKE — Treat yourself and your loved one to a scrumptious Valentine’s Day Dinner at Ducey’s on the Lake. Enjoy a special 4-Course Menu (from $69), prepared by the Executive Chef Johnathan Frabotta, including appetizers, salad, main course and a dessert. 3-Course Sunset Option available ($54).
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 14, 2023, from 4 – 9 p.m.
Click here for the 4-Course Dinner Menu.
Click here for the 3-Course Sunset Dinner Menu.
About Ducey’s on the Lake
Ducey’s on the Lake, the original diner at The Pines Resort, was founded in 1941 when Buddy Freeman built Freeman’s Bass Lake Lodge one mile west of the current Ducey’s. He sold his bar, restaurant and cabins in 1947; the property again changed hands in 1950, when Maurice and Marie Ducey of Fresno purchased and re-christened it as Ducey’s Bass Lake Lodge. For more than 20 years, the couple expanded the lodge and created a gathering place that charmed locals and travelers.
Ducey’s on the Lake.
Ducey’s became the property of The Pines Resort in 1975 and continued to draw guests who enjoyed the authentic mountain lodge ambiance. However, in 1988, employees were preparing for the busy summer season when a grease fire erupted in the kitchen. Within four hours, the wooden structure was in ruins and all that remained were the slate steps, stone fireplace and wooden sign hanging street side.
The original Ducey’s sign and photos of the old lodge now hang in the entrance of the current Ducey’s Restaurant, which was rebuilt at The Pines Resort and re-opened in 1991. Retaining the warmth and charm of the original, the restaurant boasts historical Bass Lake photographs and handcrafted tables fashioned by a local artisan.
The lobby at Ducey’s on the Lake.
A Little Bit About Bass Lake
Image by Adam Derewecki.
Bass Lake is a man-made lake located in the Sierra National Forest in California. It has a long and interesting history, starting from its creation in the early 20th century to its current status as a popular recreational destination.
The construction of Bass Lake began in 1902, when the Madera Sugar Pine Company built a dam on the Willow Creek to generate hydroelectric power for its mill. The company used the lake for logging operations and as a source of water for the mill. In the 1920s, the lake was opened to the public for recreational purposes, and a number of summer homes and resorts were built along its shores.
During the Great Depression, the Madera Sugar Pine Company went bankrupt and the lake and surrounding lands were purchased by the U.S. Forest Service. In the following decades, the lake became a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping. In the 1960s, the lake was enlarged and the dam was raised to increase its capacity, making it one of the largest recreational lakes in the Sierra Nevada.
Bass Lake.
Throughout its history, Bass Lake has faced numerous challenges, including drought, fires, and floods. The lake has also been affected by the introduction of non-native species, such as the large-mouth bass, which have impacted the lake’s ecosystem. Despite these challenges, Bass Lake has remained a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Today, Bass Lake is a hub of recreational activity, with a number of marinas, campgrounds, and resorts providing a range of amenities for visitors. The lake is popular for boating, fishing, and water sports, and its shores are dotted with summer homes and cabins. The lake is also surrounded by stunning scenery, with the Sierra National Forest offering miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
In addition to its recreational activities, Bass Lake also plays an important role in the local economy. The lake provides jobs for many local residents, and its popularity as a destination attracts tourists and visitors to the area, boosting the local economy.
Image by Bernell MacDonald.
Overall, Bass Lake has a rich and fascinating history, and it continues to be an important recreational destination and economic center in California. With its stunning scenery and diverse range of activities, Bass Lake offers something for everyone and continues to be a popular destination for generations of visitors.
Bass Lake is a unique and special place in California with a long history and a bright future. From its beginnings as a source of power for a mill to its current status as a popular recreational destination, Bass Lake has faced many challenges and overcome many obstacles to become the wonderful place it is today.
The Pines Resort in winter.
Check out this short video on some Bass Lake travel tips!
