Donner Lake continues to provide solid summer fishing

Donner Lake - Truckee, CA (Nevada County)


by Mountain Hardware & Sports
7-17-2026
(530) 587–4844
Website

Donner Lake continues to provide solid summer fishing, with the lake remaining full and water temperatures holding in the mid to upper 50s. Recent stocking at China Cove has improved the bite, making it a productive area for both shore and boat anglers. Rainbow trout are being caught consistently from the west end of the lake using PowerBait, worms, and a variety of spinners. Kokanee fishing has also been steadily improving, with fish feeding aggressively despite still being on the smaller side. Anglers targeting kokanee should focus on China Cove, trolling flashers or hoochies 40 to 60 feet down. As summer recreation increases, the best fishing continues to be during the early morning and evening hours when temperatures are cooler, fish are more active, and boat traffic is at its lowest.