Fishing Donner Lake In Northern CA

AKA: Donner Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Donner Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Donner Lake, CA

Popular Fish Species Donner Lake, CA

Donner Lake Popular Fish - Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon Fishing

Sockeye salmon which remain landlocked, never migrating to the ocean, are called kokanee salmon. On-going stocking of kokanee salmon helps to maintain a nice population for the fishery. Typically kokanee average one to two pounds. As one of the premiere kokanee fishing lakes in California, Donner Lake delivers plenty of fish above normal averages. These tasty fish school in lakes at depths which remain at ideal temperatures of between 48 and 58 degrees. Once this depth is identified, use a fish finder to locate schools. Use small lures trolled at the appropriate depth. The can also be caught using corn, but the main way they are caught is using flashy lures which they attack when the lure intrudes their space. In winter, once the ice is safe, try ice fishing for kokanee.

Lake Trout Fishing

Year round, fishing for lake trout in Donner Lake is often quite good and the fish are plentiful. These large trout prefer water below 60 degrees, however they can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 150 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental assistance to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish and other small fish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups can also produce good catches. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing for big lake trout with spoons can deliver some great catches.

Brown Trout Fishing

Currently, fishing for brown trout in Donner Lake is delivering some nice catches. These hearty fighters migrate around the lake in search of baitfish and comfortable water temperatures, preferably in the 50 to 62 degree range. In spring brown trout, along with the baitfish, move to the shallows which warms first. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed. When the lake freezes over, enjoy ice fishing for trout.

Donner Lake Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, kokanee salmon and sockeye salmon at Donner Lake in California.

This picturesque, mountain lake is an excellent connection to nature and the great outdoors. Donner Lake, which covers 950 acres, is located in the northeast part of the state, just north of Lake Tahoe. This cold-water fishery serves up a nice mix of trout and salmon. Fishing from a boat is ideal, but many anglers have success fishing from shore. Kayaks and canoes are popular here as well, for fishing and sightseeing.

Donner Lake, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, is renown for its population of lake trout, also known as Mackinaw trout. These deep-dwelling predators are known for their size and strength. In addition to lake trout, Donner Lake is also home to rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon.

Primary fish species residing in Donner Lake.

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Donner Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Donner Lake Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats and pontoons
530 582-5112

Marinas

Donner Lake Marina
15695 Donner Pass Rd
Truckee, CA 96161
530 582-5112

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Donner Pass Road Boat Launch
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Donner Pass Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.