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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Donner Lake
Nevada County, California · 840 acres (1.3 sq mi)
51°F water, level falling, windy Friday (25 mph SW).
About Donner Lake
In Nevada County, California, Donner Lake covers 840 acres; it is a natural lake. Donner Lake holds some of the largest lake trout (mackinaw) in California.
It stretches about 2.7 miles end to end with roughly 6.2 miles of shoreline. At about 5,940 ft above sea level, it is a high-country lake, cold for much of the year. The deepest water is about 238 ft. Truckee is about 3 miles east. The closest city is Reno, about 27 miles away.
- Size
- 840 acres (1.3 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 238 ft
- Shoreline
- About 6.2 miles
- End to end
- About 2.7 miles
- Elevation
- About 5,940 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- County
- Nevada County
- Water
- Known for clear water
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Fair
- 6:00 am – 7:00 am bestsunrise
- 4:00 pm – 4:45 pmsunset, moon overhead · wind 15 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 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 in Donner Lake
Donner Lake holds trout, lake trout and kokanee salmon. At 51°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- GoodTrout
Good range. Near the surface and along shorelines.
- GoodLake trout
Cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.
- FairKokanee salmon
Near the surface in the cool water. Troll slowly.
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
- 4
- 5
- 6
5 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
Falling 0.6 ft in 7 days.
Latest reading .
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 6:42 am · sunset 4:47 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Donner Lake
- Truckeeabout 3 mi east
- Dollar Pointabout 12 mi southeast
- Tahoe Vistaabout 12 mi southeast
- Sunnyside-Tahoe Cityabout 13 mi southeast
- Renonearest city, about 27 mi northeast
Prices and availability come from booking partners; we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Questions about Donner Lake
What fish are in Donner Lake?
Donner Lake holds trout, lake trout and kokanee salmon. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Donner Lake?
About 238 ft at the deepest point. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Donner Lake?
840 acres, with about 6.2 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Donner Lake?
Truckee is about 3 miles east; Dollar Point is about 12 miles southeast.
What is the water temperature at Donner Lake today?
The surface was about 51°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Donner Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
