Friant Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the San Joaquin River in central California, straddling the border of Fresno County and Madera County. It was built to provide irrigation water to the southern San Joaquin Valley. It impounds water from Millerton Lake, a 4,900-acre (2,000 ha) reservoir located approximately 15 miles (24 km) north of Fresno.
Located on the San Joaquin River, two miles northeast of Friant Dam and the town of Friant, Lost Lake Recreation Area is 19 miles from Fresno. The pristine natural study area and 38-acre lake make Lost Lake one of the County's most popular parks.
Friant is a census-designated place in Fresno County, California. The population was 446 at the 2020 census, down from 549 at the 2010 census. Friant is located 11.5 miles (19 km) north of Clovis, at an elevation of 344 feet (105 m).
One of the largest hatcheries in the state, the San Joaquin Hatchery is located below Friant Dam, which creates Millerton Lake. It is a hidden gem in Friant, attracting visitors with its unique combination of tranquility and educational experiences.
