Fishing at Donner Lake is improving as boating activity winds down and the water cools

Donner Lake - Truckee, CA (Nevada County)

by Mountain Hardware & Sports
9-25-2026
(530) 587–4844
Website

Fishing at Donner Lake is improving as boating activity winds down and the water cools. Rainbow trout are being caught around the west end using PowerBait, worms, and spinners such as Kastmasters, with slip sinker rigs producing the best results for shore anglers. Boat anglers can find fish suspended at varying depths, with Mackinaw holding deeper around 100–130 feet and schools of kokanee around 60–80 feet. Keep in mind that the Donner Lake boat ramp is closed for renovations for the remainder of the season.

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Mountain Hardware Reports

for Thursday, September 3rd

Truckee River: Truckee River flows remain strong for this time of year
Little Truckee River: Flows on the Little Truckee River are low between Stampede and Boca
Boca Reservoir: Trout fishing has been productive near the dam
Stampede Reservoir: The water level is low, but it continues to offer a variety of fishing opportunities
Prosser Reservoir: Prosser Reservoir is about 70 percent full
Jackson Meadows Reservoir: Shore anglers are reporting an excellent rainbow trout bite

Mountain Hardware Reports

for Thursday, August 27th

Donner Lake: Fishing at Donner Lake remains fair
Boca Reservoir: Trout fishing remains productive near the dam
Stampede Reservoir: Anglers are still finding good opportunities for several species
Prosser Creek: Prosser Creek Reservoir is sitting around 70 percent full and continues to offer steady fishing
Jackson Meadows Reservoir: Currently accessible Thursday through Sunday and continues to offer excellent fishing opportunities