The lake has a storage capacity of 42,455 acre-feet (52,367,000 m3)[4] and is supplying agricultural irrigation water for use in Nevada's Walker River Irrigation District.

In some years, the reservoir has also been used to aid flood control for Lyon County, Nevada.

[5] The community of Bridgeport, which is the seat of Mono County, and the Bryant Field airstrip, are located along the river and adjacent to the upper end of the lake.

Recreational opportunities include boating and trout fishing, and resorts with boat launch facilities are located along the lake's eastern shore.

[6] Access is provided by California State Route 182.