Boating, water skiing and paddling are the most popular activity on the lake. The lake does have boat ramps. The lake is formed by Dam No. 7 and is operated by Southern California Edison Company. Maximum storage capacity is 26,119 acre feet and the lake will vary in depth between 100 and 150 feet. The reservoir was completed in 1951 and was named after David H. Redinger, the resident engineer of SCE's Big Creek Hydroelectric Project for 30 years.

The hills that surround the lake form a steep narrow valley and rise 1,000 feet above the 1,400 foot elevation of the lake's surface. Bull pine and chaparral intermingled with live valley oak are typical of this Upper Sonoran Life Zone. A variety of wildlife can be observed by the alert visitor. Ground squirrels, California mule deer, raccoons, muskrats, coyotes, and bobcats are sighted regularly. During the winter months, bald eagles may occasionally be seen.