Donner Lake Is A Year-round Recreation Destination

Quick Take

• The peaceful lake you're swimming in was once the site of one of American history's most harrowing survival stories, and the connection goes deeper than just the name. Read the Donner Party story →
• Donner Lake isn't quite the natural alpine lake it appears to be. Its legal identity is split in two, and that distinction has real consequences. See the lake's dual identity →
• Shore fishing at Donner Lake can actually outperform boat fishing, though that is only true if you show up at exactly the right time of year. Explore seasonal fishing tips →
• Something is quietly multiplying beneath Donner Lake's surface, and it's already competing with the native fish you came to catch. See which species are spreading →

Donner Lake is a glacial lake located in Northeast California within the town of Truckee, about 11 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe. Donner Lake is adjacent to Donner Memorial State Park, which offers extensive recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. Continue reading to learn more about what this storied lake has to offer.

History of Donner Lake

Donner Lake was formed thousands of years ago during the last ice age, when glacial moraines blocked the flow of water on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For thousands of years, the area served as a crucial resource for the indigenous Washoe people.

The lake became a part of modern history when, in November 1846, the Donner Party, a group of pioneers traveling by wagon train from Illinois to California, became trapped in the area by an early blizzard. Stranded for months without adequate food or shelter, nearly half of the 89 individuals succumbed to starvation and exposure. Today, Donner Lake is a thriving year-round mountain resort integrated into the town of Truckee, California. The site of the pioneer cabins is preserved by Donner Memorial State Park.

How Big is Donner Lake?

Donner Lake is a natural alpine lake that lies at an elevation of approximately 5,935 feet. The lake has a surface area of approximately 960 acres (1.5 square miles). This glacial, moraine-dammed lake has a steep underwater profile, reaching a maximum depth of 328 feet and a median depth of about 108 feet.

Donner Lake is both a natural lake and a managed reservoir. A glacier originally carved the lake, forming a deep alpine basin, but humans later modified the site to control the water supply.

The current dam, built in the 1930s, raises the water level by several feet. Because of the dam, the top layer of the lake is legally treated as a reservoir. Water districts deliberately release this top layer of water down the Truckee River system during dry months to supply downstream users.

Once the water level drops to the lake’s original, natural rim, no more water can be drained, which protects the natural alpine basin from ever being fully emptied.

Currently, Donner Lake is experiencing the effects of climate change. Warmer summers have raised the surface water temperature of the lake, which has created the perfect environment for algae to grow. Algae growth along the shoreline has been noted by researchers and tourists. As the lake warms, non-native Asian clams and invasive crayfish have doubled their populations. These species thrive in warmer water and outcompete native aquatic life.

Fishing at Donner Lake

Donner Lake is excellent for both shore and boat fishing, though the best approach changes by season. Boat fishing is recommended during the warm summer months because the lake’s steep underwater drop-offs cause prized species to retreat to cooler, deeper waters that are out of standard casting range.

Shore fishing is best during the spring and fall, when cooler water temperatures prompt fish to move into the shallows. In all seasons, the best time to catch fish is early in the morning, when they are feeding actively.

The lake is home to numerous fish species and is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and kokanee salmon by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Donner Lake is famous for holding some of the largest wild Mackinaw (lake trout) in the state, often weighing over 20 pounds. Brown trout and smallmouth bass can be found in the warm, rocky shallows.

Always verify any modifications to the regulations by contacting the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Recreational Opportunities

Donner Lake is a year-round recreational destination that offers a more intimate and less commercialized alternative to nearby Lake Tahoe. During the summer, the lake is a magnet for water sports, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.

The surrounding terrain provides world-class hiking and mountain biking trails, including the historic Donner Summit Canyon trails and the Pacific Crest Trail.

As winter sets in, the area seamlessly transforms into a snowy wonderland just minutes from major ski resorts like Sugar Bowl and Boreal. The lake basin itself becomes a popular playground for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.