California Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Sierra Region
Donner Lake by Truckee has lake trout, kokanee, rainbows and browns, with easy public access.
Looking for the latest Donner Lake fishing report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with current conditions, wind, stocking news and the flies working now at Donner Lake.
Water level
Wind forecast
Donner Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Lake trout and browns move shallow in fall.
Streamers along the drop-offs.
Stocking report
See the CDFW fish planting schedule for the latest stocking at Donner Lake and other California waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Donner Lake, bring: Sparkle Minnow #2-6, Woolly Bugger #4-8, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Pitching Leech #10, Circus Peanut #4.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Donner Lake lake details
| Access | Donner Memorial State Park and public piers. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,935 ft |
| Nearest town | Truckee, California |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Fish | Lake trout, kokanee, rainbows and browns |
| Regulations | Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the current rules. A California sport fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Rarely freezes enough. |
| Camping | Donner Memorial State Park |
| Kids | Yes. Public piers. |
| Good to know | Busy in summer. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Cold.
Spring
Spring.
Summer
Kokanee.
Fall
Lake trout.
How to get there
From Truckee, take Donner Pass Road west.