Donner Lake
Nevada County Salmon, Trout
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Donner Lake Bite Meter

1 month ago
Mackinaw
Excellent
Kokanee Salmon
Good
Rainbow Trout
Good

Donner Lake Fishing Overview

Water Description

Just 20 minutes northwest of Lake Tahoe, you'll find Donner Lake, a lesser-visited yet equally stunning jewel of the Sierras. This 328-foot-deep lake teems with wildlife and, most importantly, fish. Mackinaw in Donner Lake tend to be larger than those in Lake Tahoe, with 25-pound fish being not uncommon. The fishery's management encourages anglers to release mackinaw over 10 pounds to maintain the trophy population. In the spring, as water temperatures approach 50 degrees, mackinaw become especially active. Early in the season, these fish...

Just 20 minutes northwest of Lake Tahoe, you'll find Donner Lake, a lesser-visited yet equally stunning jewel of the Sierras. This 328-foot-deep lake teems with wildlife and, most importantly, fish.

Mackinaw in Donner Lake tend to be larger than those in Lake Tahoe, with 25-pound fish being not uncommon. The fishery's management encourages anglers to release mackinaw over 10 pounds to maintain the trophy population. In the spring, as water temperatures approach 50 degrees, mackinaw become especially active. Early in the season, these fish inhabit depths of 50-60 feet, but as the season advances, they descend to depths exceeding 100 feet. Typically, mackinaw will form schools and prey mainly on smaller fish.

While the kokanee in Donner Lake may not be as numerous as in other California lakes, their impressive size stands out. By their third year, some reach 20 inches in length. They are most active during the spring and summer, frequenting depths of 25-50 feet. During warmer winters, these fish tend to grow larger due to the increased reproduction of zooplankton, their main diet. Approximately 50,000 kokanee are stocked every year, in addition to the naturally spawning population.

Rainbow trout, stocked throughout the year, are usually found near the shoreline during spring and fall, particularly towards the lake's northern end. Compared to other species in the lake, they're more active in the winter.

Brown trout, though rarer, can grow over 10 pounds. The lake's drop-offs and inlets during spring are favored spots for anglers seeking brown trout.

Several boat launches are accessible, but shoreline access is somewhat restricted because of the wooded terrain. However, there's a public fishing pier available. The vicinity offers campgrounds, resorts, and hotels for accommodation. It's important to note that Donner Lake has specific fishing regulations, so it's advisable to familiarize yourself with them before setting out.

Species:
Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Mackinaw, Brown Trout
Stocked Date:
Trout stocked 3 weeks ago - View Schedule
Trophy Fish:
  • Mackinaw: 34 lb - 2000
Boating / Access:
Open to all boating. Be aware of speed limits.
Geography:
Max Depth: 328 ft
Surface Area: 960 acres
Surface Elevation: 5,936 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Trip Report
50 Rainbow Trout
68°F Sunny with Light Breeze
68°F Very Clear

Donner Lake was on fire before 4th of July Weekend! We caught and released over 50 trout for 2.5 days! We were targeting mackinaw at first, fishing down deep, past 60'. They did not want to play. So we started targeting rainbow and brown trout and the rainbow trout were hungry or they might have just planted, because we couldn't stop catching them...

Donner Lake was on fire before 4th of July Weekend! We caught and released over 50 trout for 2.5 days! We were targeting mackinaw at first, fishing down deep, past 60'. They did not want to play. So we started targeting rainbow and brown trout and the rainbow trout were hungry or they might have just planted, because we couldn't stop catching them! We were trolling lures. My better half was trolling 1 rod and I was trolling 2. I had double hookups quite a bit! We fished from 7am to 10am on 7/2 and 7/3 - and caught and released about 50 fish :-) Good times!!!

4 anglers found this report useful
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Excellent Mackinaw bite
Mackinaw, Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon
50°F Clear

Mackinaw are the main show right now at Donner, with trollers pulling big plugs… think Rapalas… down deep, around 100–110 feet. The east shore and the area near the main launch are producing best. Kokanee are just starting to wake up, holding at 35–40 feet. CDFW rainbow trout stocks are projected this week, which should boost action for shore...

Mackinaw are the main show right now at Donner, with trollers pulling big plugs… think Rapalas… down deep, around 100–110 feet. The east shore and the area near the main launch are producing best. Kokanee are just starting to wake up, holding at 35–40 feet. CDFW rainbow trout stocks are projected this week, which should boost action for shore casters. PowerBait and floating nightcrawlers remain top picks.

Surface temps start in the low 50s and climb a few degrees by afternoon. Water’s crystal clear, which is helping boat anglers spot depth transitions and structure. The best bite has been early, just before the sun pops.

3 anglers found this report useful
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Latest Stockings

Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW

Other Nearby Reports

Kokanee are starting to pop along the south end of the lake, with schools holding between 50 and 75 feet. Some are already stretching to 14 inches, and there’s word of even...

Matt Heron reports the Truckee River is in prime shape with steady dropping flows and perfect water temps holding in the 50s, briefly touching the low 60s in the afternoons...

Donner Lake Weather

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Guides & Tackle Shops

Donner Lake Map

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