Thermalito Afterbay is a 4,300-acre reservoir just west of Oroville in Butte County, part of the Oroville–Thermalito Complex below Lake Oroville.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Thermalito Afterbay, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons, or a side-by-side for the backroads.
Its 17 miles of open, low shoreline sit inside the Oroville Wildlife Area, and it is a local favorite for water-skiing, wakeboarding and jet skiing.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Thermalito Afterbay
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Thermalito Afterbay.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Thermalito Afterbay.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Thermalito Afterbay or pulling a tube.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Thermalito Afterbay while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Thermalito Afterbay into a full beach party.
- UTV rentals – pair your lake day with a Can-Am side-by-side for a full adventure.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Thermalito Afterbay at a glance
| Location | Butte County, California |
|---|---|
| Size | About 4,300 acres |
| Shoreline | About 17 miles |
| Part of | Oroville–Thermalito Complex |
| Surroundings | Oroville Wildlife Area |
| Nearby | Oroville, Gridley |
Best things to do on Thermalito Afterbay
- Water skiing – wide-open water.
- Jet skiing – room to roam.
- Wakeboarding – a local favorite.
- Fishing – bass, catfish and crappie.
Where to launch at Thermalito Afterbay
- Monument Hill – the two-lane ramp and day-use area on the east side.
- Wilbur Road – a public ramp off Wilbur Road near Highway 162.
- South Forebay – a four-lane ramp on the Thermalito Forebay, open to powerboats.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Thermalito Afterbay
- Mornings are calmest for skiing.
- Afternoon wind builds on the open water.
- Bring shade; the shoreline is wide open.
California boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 13 must wear one whenever a boat 26 feet or shorter is under way, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing skiers, wakeboarders and tubers takes a driver plus an observer 12 or older, isn't allowed from sunset to sunrise, and a red or orange ski flag goes up whenever a rider is down in the water.
- Jet skis may not be ridden from sunset to sunrise, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver, and every boat must slow to 5 mph within 100 feet of swimmers and within 200 feet of swim beaches, swim floats and docks in use.
- The North Thermalito Forebay is for non-motorized boats only; powerboats and jet skis use the Thermalito Afterbay and the South Forebay.
Map of Thermalito Afterbay
Thermalito Afterbay rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Thermalito Afterbay?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, captained boat tours with lessons, plus Can-Am side-by-sides and ATVs for the trails.
Will my boat be at Thermalito Afterbay when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Thermalito Afterbay, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is the Thermalito Afterbay?
Just west of Oroville in Butte County, off Highway 162, below Lake Oroville.
Can you jet ski on Thermalito Afterbay?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Thermalito Afterbay.
Can you take a powerboat on the Thermalito Forebay?
Only on the South Forebay. The North Forebay is for non-motorized boats.
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