Donner Lake is fishing well

Donner Lake - Truckee, CA (Nevada County)


by Mountain Hardware & Sports
7-17-2025
(530) 587–4844
Website

Donner Lake is fishing well this week, with surface temps sitting in the low to mid 60s°F and water levels still near full pool. Kokanee are schooling around 40–50 feet and responding well to pink or chartreuse hoochies behind dodgers in the early morning hours. Mackinaw are holding deeper—closer to 120–130 feet—and anglers have been picking them off using white tube jigs and silver spoons near drop-offs. Shore anglers are finding success near the west end boat ramp and docks using PowerBait, inflated nightcrawlers, or Kastmasters. The bite tends to fade by 10 a.m. as recreational boating increases and water temps increase, so the earlier you can hit the water, the better your chances.




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Mountain Hardware Reports
for Thursday, July 17th

Truckee River: The Truckee River continues to fish well
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Mountain Hardware Reports
for Thursday, July 10th

Truckee River: Flowing strong and fishing has been solid
Little Truckee River: Perfect for spotting fish
Donner Lake: Donner is fishing solidly
Boca Reservoir: Fishing remains consistent
Stampede Reservoir: The region’s hot spot for Kokanee
Prosser Reservoir: Prosser is delivering a mixed bag
Jackson Meadows Reservoir: Jackson Meadows is a great option
Lake Tahoe: Surface temps are warming slightly