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
French Meadows Reservoir
Placer County, California · about 1,180 acres (1.8 sq mi)
57°F water, windy Friday (15 mph SSW).
About French Meadows Reservoir
In Placer County, California, French Meadows Reservoir covers about 1,180 acres.
It stretches about 3.1 miles end to end with roughly 7.8 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 5,200 ft above sea level. Sunnyside-Tahoe City lies about 14 miles to the east. The closest city is Carson City, about 35 miles away.
- Size
- About 1,180 acres (1.8 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 7.8 miles
- End to end
- About 3.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 5,200 ft
- County
- Placer County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Saturday Good
- 7:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 2 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 3 mph
Sunday Fair
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:15 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 6 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 French Meadows Reservoir 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. With the surface at 57°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- 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
- 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
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 6:43 am · sunset 4:48 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near French Meadows Reservoir
- Sunnyside-Tahoe Cityabout 14 mi east
- Tahomaabout 16 mi east
- Dollar Pointabout 17 mi east
- Truckeeabout 19 mi northeast
- Carson Citynearest city, about 35 mi east
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Questions about French Meadows Reservoir
What fish are in French Meadows Reservoir?
Lakes like French Meadows Reservoir usually hold trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is French Meadows Reservoir?
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 French Meadows Reservoir?
About 1,180 acres, with about 7.8 miles of shoreline.
What town is near French Meadows Reservoir?
Sunnyside-Tahoe City is about 14 miles east; Tahoma is about 16 miles east.
What is the water temperature at French Meadows Reservoir today?
The surface was about 57°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
French Meadows Reservoir on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.