Donner Lake - We currently have 1 Donner Lake vacation homes, condos and villas listed on this page!

Enjoy a Catch on Donner Lake

Located along the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain chain, Donner Lake is located in northeastern California where its serves as an important freshwater fishing spot. Tourists who come to stay in vacation rentals at Donner Lake have the opportunity to also fish in Lake Tahoe, located about 11 miles away, but many such visitors prefer the smaller and lower-key environment surrounding Donner Lake, which is less commercialized than the Tahoe Basin area.

Donner Lake is situated near Truckee, which means that it is easy to reach, as visitors simply need to take Interstate 80. By diverting onto Highway 40, visitors can trace the northern shore of the lake. Continuing the drive on 40 will take tourists to Donner Pass, which is historically significant because of the difficulties the Donner Party experienced here. For many tourists, however, the true appeal of Donner Pass lies in the magnificent view that it provides: Donner Lake in its entirety can be seen from this vantage point.

Fishing at Donner Lake

Donner Lake is considered one of the finest fishing lakes in its region, in part because the trout that inhabit the lake are some of the largest in California. Among the species that can be caught here are both Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, though some fishermen prefer to make Kokanee Salmon their objective.

The northwestern corner of the lake has a public boat ramp maintained by the Truckee Donner Recreation and Parks Department. Unlike some lakes in California, Donner Lake welcomes both powerboats and sail boats, though there is a launch fee charged in both cases.