Fishing at Donner Lake
Donner Lake has plenty of Mackinaw, rainbow and brown trout along with kokanee salmon, making it a popular location for serious anglers. The lake has a reputation for producing bigger Mackinaw than at nearby Lake Tahoe. Most people fish from boats, but they have to be wary of afternoon winds. The lake is stocked with kokanee salmon and rainbow trout.
Where to Fish on Donner Lake
Working from the shore near the launch ramp has produced some good fish. Others reports success fishing from the docks at the west end. If fishing from shore, your best chance of hooking a Mackinaw is in the spring and fall. Anglers are urged to catch and release any Mackinaw over 10 pounds to help sustain the lake's population of trophy fish.
If you are fishing from a boat, the advice is to fish Deep in China Cove for Mackinaws. Trolling for rainbows is good at the west end of the lake near the mouth of the river and along the north shore.
