
Truckee Area Lakes
Donner and Stampede Kokanee Lead Summer Angling Parade
TRUCKEE - Donner Lake: Donner Lake is fishing well with surface temps in the low 60s°F and full lake levels. Kokanee are active in the mornings, schooling between 25–35 feet. Trolling pink or chartreuse hoochies behind dodgers is producing best. Mackinaw are holding deeper—try white tube jigs or silver dodgers at 100–120 feet. Shore anglers are hooking rainbows near the boat ramps and west-end docks using PowerBait, inflated worms, and various lures. The bite slows after 10 a.m., so early starts are key, especially with heavier boat traffic expected for the holiday week. Donner Lake capacity is currently at 100%.
Boca Reservoir: Fishing at Boca Reservoir remains productive for both boaters and shore anglers. Kokanee are biting at 40–50 feet near the dam and west shore—orange Dick Nites, pink wedding rings, and small dodgers are best. Recently stocked rainbows are biting on PowerBait, worms, and spoons near the inlet and campground. Surface temps are in the upper 50s°F, pushing trout deeper by midday. Mornings are most productive before crowds and boat activity picks up. Boca is currently at 90% capacity, and shore access is excellent. Boca Reservoir is at 90% capacity.
Stampede Reservoir: Stampede Reservoir continues to be the top Kokanee spot in the region. Fish are aggressive and schooling between 15–30 feet, especially near the Little Truckee arm and island. Productive setups include pink hoochies, purple squids, and orange dodgers. As the sun rises, adjust depth accordingly—Kokanee go deeper after 9 a.m. Trout are cruising near coves and inlets early, while bass are active in 10 feet of water. Surface temps are in the upper 50s°F, and lake levels are at 100%. Early mornings offer the best bite. Stampede Reservoir capacity is currently at 100%.
Prosser Creek Reservoir: Prosser Creek Reservoir continues to improve post-spawn and is producing a steady mixed bag of trout and smallmouth bass. Shore anglers near Alder Creek Cove and the dam are finding success with PowerBait, worms, and salmon eggs—especially during early and late light. Fly anglers are doing well with zebra midges and small nymphs under indicators. Bass are beginning to move into the shallows. Surface temps are in the high 50s°F. Prosser Creek Reservoir’s current water level is around 96% capacity.
Jackson Meadows: Jackson Meadows is a great choice for consistent shore action: The lake was recently stocked at the Pass Creek boat ramp, and anglers are doing well with salmon eggs, worms, and small spinners along lake points. Water temps are nearing 60°F. Please release all brown trout—they’re no longer stocked. Due to invasive species prevention measures, boats are currently not allowed, and ramps remain closed. For now, it’s a shore-only fishery, but still producing solid results.
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Mountain Hardware, Truckee