Yates Lake is a 1,980-acre lake on the Tallapoosa River just above Tallassee, sitting between Martin Dam upstream and Thurlow Dam below.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Yates Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Locals call it the middle pond. Alabama Power built Yates Dam in 1928, the lake runs about 60 feet deep in spots, and two Alabama Power ramps serve the lake.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Yates Lake
Your rentals are waiting for you at Yates Lake, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 12 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Yates Lake.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Yates Lake.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Yates Lake.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Yates Lake at a glance
| Location | Above Tallassee |
|---|---|
| Size | About 1,980 acres |
| River | Tallapoosa River |
| Dam | Yates, 1928 |
| Nickname | The middle pond |
| Operator | Alabama Power |
Best things to do on Yates Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Quiet water – fewer boats than nearby Lake Martin.
Where to launch at Yates Lake
- Alabama Power ramps – the two public ramps on Yates Lake.
Weekday mornings are the quietest time on the water. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Yates Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Alabama requires an observer besides the driver when towing, and no towing between sunset and sunrise.
- Kids under 8 must wear a life jacket on board in Alabama.
Alabama boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 8 must wear one at all times unless they're inside an enclosed cabin, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed between sunset and sunrise.
- Jet skis need the engine cut-off lanyard attached to the driver, and everyone riding must wear a life jacket.
- Keep to no-wake speed in posted no-wake zones, marinas and near docks and swimmers.
Map of Yates Lake
Yates Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Yates Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Yates Lake, so there's no towing.
Where is Yates Lake?
On the Tallapoosa River just above Tallassee, Alabama, between Lake Martin and Thurlow Lake.
Can you jet ski on Yates Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Yates Lake.
How big is Yates Lake?
About 1,980 acres.
Why is Yates Lake called the middle pond?
It sits between Lake Martin upstream and Thurlow Lake downstream on the Tallapoosa River.