The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (point drop-off) is open for everyone; the other 2 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Bowman Lake
Nevada County, California · about 720 acres (1.1 sq mi)
56°F water, windy Friday (28 mph SSW).
About Bowman Lake
Bowman Lake is a lake in Nevada County, California, covering about 720 acres.
From end to end it runs about 2.3 miles with roughly 6.9 miles of shoreline. The water sits about 5,560 ft above sea level. Downieville lies about 12 miles to the northwest. Reno, the nearest city, is about 43 miles east.
- Size
- About 720 acres (1.1 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 6.9 miles
- End to end
- About 2.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 5,560 ft
- County
- Nevada County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Slow
- 6:00 am – 7:00 am bestsunrise
- 4:00 pm – 4:45 pmsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 mph
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Lakes like Bowman Lake in California usually hold trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 56°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodYellow perch
Schooled near weed edges and soft bottom.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Point drop-off
The bottom falls away fast off this point; fish rest deep and move up the slope to feed.
- 2
- 3
2 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:44 am · sunset 4:48 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Bowman Lake
- Downievilleabout 12 mi northwest
- Nevada Cityabout 23 mi southwest
- Truckeeabout 24 mi east
- Portolaabout 25 mi north
- Renonearest city, about 43 mi east
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Bowman Lake
What fish are in Bowman Lake?
Lakes like Bowman Lake usually hold trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Bowman Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Bowman Lake?
About 720 acres, with about 6.9 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Bowman Lake?
Downieville is about 12 miles northwest; Nevada City is about 23 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Bowman Lake today?
The surface was about 56°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Bowman Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
