Donner Lake Fish Report for 7-17-2026
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.
More Reports
Mountain Hardware Reports
for Thursday, July 9th
Donner Lake: Donner Lake continues to offer solid summer fishing opportunities
Boca Reservoir: Boca Reservoir is fishing well, particularly during the cooler morning and evening hours
Stampede Reservoir: Stampede Reservoir continues to produce a variety of fishing opportunities
Prosser Reservoir: Prosser Creek Reservoir remains full and continues to fish well
Jackson Meadows Reservoir: Jackson Meadows Reservoir is fully accessible, with boat launches open and fishing continuing to improve
Mountain Hardware Reports
for Friday, July 3rd
Truckee River: Lots of good looking rainbows
Little Truckee River: Nice quality rainbows
Donner Lake: Shore anglers continue to find success
Boca Reservoir: Boca Reservoir is currently full
Stampede Reservoir: Improving fishing opportunities
Prosser Creek Reservoir: Trout fishing has been productive
Jackson Meadows Reservoir: Excellent rainbow trout bite
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