

The first known mackinaw in California were introduced to Lake Tahoe (from the Nevada side) in 1889. west of the Rockies but have been introduced to selected waters in most of the western states. They’re native to areas from Alaska to Nova Scotia, as well as the Great Lakes watersheds. That’s because lake trout are adapted to northern life. These “lakers” prefer deeper water than most other trout species-often 100 feet or more-and their preferred temperature range is roughly 46-59 ☏. That reputation stems largely from the fact that it’s rare to catch lake trout from shore. But for others, lake trout are mysterious and seldom seen. Weighing upwards of 20 pounds, they have a reputation for frantic head-shakes and line-stripping runs that leave anglers sore-armed and breathless.įor many anglers, they’re a unique and much sought-after game fish. 25 miles (400 m) swim, 6 miles (9.7 km) bike, 2 miles (3.2 km) run and the International Triathlon: 1.5 kilometers (0.93 mi), 40 kilometers (25 mi), 6.5 miles (10.5 km) run.Lake trout, often referred to as mackinaw, are the biggest, hardest-fighting trout in most of the lakes they call home.Ĭatching lake trout in California is a worthy goal for serious anglers, so we’re here to help raise your fishing odds by pointing you to the right places. Every year the town of Truckee hosts the Donner Lake Triathlon which consists of the Sprint Triathlon. The North shore of the Lake hosts 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of public docks for both swimmers and boaters. The statue itself is positioned 23 feet (7.0 m) high, which is said to be the depth snow reached during the winter of 1846 when the Donner Party failed to make it over the pass. The Park features the Pioneer Monument - welcoming visitors year round - which was built to commemorate the Donner Party traveling to California from the east in the mid-19th century. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Summer activities include: camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, wind-surfing, hiking, and mountain biking. Standing on North East shore, looking across towards Donner Passĭonner Memorial State Park wraps around the East and part of the South shore of the Lake, encompassing Scallenberger Ridge to the south.

The advisory provides safe eating advice for fish species caught in the body of water. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has developed an advisory for Donner Lake based on mercury and PCBs found in fish caught from this water body. The lake is open to both powerboats and sailboats. Ī public boat ramp operated by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks District is available in the northwest corner of Donner Lake. During the spring and fall lake trout come to the top to feed, and these are the only times of year one has the chance to hook a laker in shallow water. Fisherman use downriggers and troll with plugs for Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout in order to catch the trophy-sized lake trout. There is also a good population of rainbow and brown trout as well as Kokanee salmon. High water level is 5,935.8 feet (1,809.2 m) above Mean Sea Level.ĭonner Lake holds some of the biggest lake trout in the state. The deepest point is at the fallen tree, just off the guard rail on the north side. The lake's depth has been measured by the California State Lands Commission to be 238 feet (73 m) deep at its deepest point. There are also various hiking trails in the park. Donner Memorial State Park is on the east end of the lake and provides campsites with access to several different beaches. The historic route of the Lincoln Highway, the first automobile road across America and US 40 follows the northern shoreline, then climbs to Donner Pass from where the entire lake may be viewed.īoth the lake and the pass were named after the ill-fated Donner Party, which wintered involuntarily near the lake in 1846. Schallenberger Ridge and closely follow the route of the original transcontinental railroad. The tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad run along The lake is located in the town of Truckee, between Interstate 80 to the north and Schallenberger Ridge to the south. A moraine serves as a natural dam for the lake. Summit Creek, Gregory Creek, and many springs ĭonner Lake is a freshwater lake in Northeast California on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada and about 20 miles (32 km) northwest of the much larger Lake Tahoe.
