Fallen Leaf Lake
Boating

El Dorado County

Fallen Leaf Lake, CA
Fallen Leaf Lake, CA

Fallen Leaf Lake
Boating

El Dorado County


Fallen Leaf Lake Boating in a Nutshell

  • Waterskiing, Wakeboarding, Jet Skis
  • Pontoon Boats, Fishing Boats, Pleasure Cruisers
  • Sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Row Boats, Rafts
  • Pedal Boats, Float Tubes

Fallen Leaf Lake allows all kinds of boating from jet skis to sailing, waterskiing to kayaking. Boaters enjoy the clear, crisp mountain water and the spectacular scenery away from the bustle of nearby Lake Tahoe. The boating season generally runs from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September.

A single marina at the south end of the lake provides limited launching access on busy summer weekends. The mostly single-lane, 4.5-mile approach road to the marina from Highway 89 makes for slow traveling. Small boat rentals are available at the marina. Nearby is a store and post office. Gusty winds can kick up at any time, making it a challenging lake for sailors and risky for small, open boats.

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Boat Inspections

The Lake Tahoe basin has some of the most comprehensive boat inspection programs in California. The purpose, of course, is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species such as quagga mussels.

Clean, drain, and dry your watercraft is the mantra. Boats that arrive at the inspection stations prepared can pass through quickly. Those that are do not pass the initial inspection must be decontaminated. There are fees for both inspection and for decontamination.

Boat inspections at the Meyers, Homewood, or Spooner Summit inspection stations are required prior to launching. Boats must have a green Fallen Leaf Lake inspection seal in order to launch at Fallen Leaf Lake.

Fallen Leaf Lake Marina

Fallen Leaf Lake Marina is located at the south end of the lake. The marina is operated by the Fallen Leaf Lake Community Services District.
(530) 544-2628
Open 8:00 AM to dusk
Notes of Importance:

  1. A narrow road leading to the launch ramp can become congested. The marina suggests that you call ahead before planning to launch your boat.
  2. Boaters are urged to purchase their fuel at the marina. Tanks may not be filled from private cans within the marina or the breakwater.
  3. Boats moored at the marina may not exceed 22 feet, 3100 pounds, or a 100-inch beam.

Marina:

  • Launch Ramp:   Boats with 21 HP or more $45, less than 21 HP $35, hand launched boats free
  • Facilities:  Fuel, fishing licenses, small public beach, boat washing
  • Docking and Slips:   available by night, week, month, or season
  • Boat Rentals: Small motor boats, pontoon boats, kayaks


Photo of Fallen Leaf Lake Marina

Fallen Leaf Lake Marina


Boating Regulations

  1. Mandatory inspection at the marina for invasive species, including boat washing
  2. 5 MPH speed limit within 200 feet of shore and 100 feet of a swimmer
  3. Skiers follow a counterclockwise pattern in the designated areas.
  4. No water sports or jet skis between sunset and sunrise. Skiers out before 8:00 AM should use the north end of the lake.
  5. Only 4-cycle engines or direct injected 2-cycle engines are allowed on Fallen Leaf Lake.
  6. Jet skis should stay to the middle of the lake.


Marine Services

Lake Tahoe Marina
1900 Jameson Beach Rd.
Camp Richardson
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 544-1954


Walker Marine
2437 Venice Dr. East
Tahoe Keys, CA
(530) 541-8679
  Walker Marine

Dave's Marine Services
2184 Royal Ave.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 544-4239


MTR Marine & Truck Repair
PO Box 7348
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 541-3322


Marine Performance
1630 Shop St.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 541-5005


Tahoe Mobile Marine Repair
7311 8th Ave., Tahoma, CA
(530) 525-1970