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Last Updated November 6th, 2026

Lakes Around the Truckee-Tahoe Area

Donner Lake

Fishing at Donner Lake has slowed as water levels continue to drop and fish move into deeper water. Shore anglers are still finding some success using salmon eggs, worms, Kastmasters, and Rapalas, although reaching fish is becoming more challenging. Boat anglers targeting Mackinaw should focus on depths of 110–140 feet, while kokanee are schooling around 60–80 feet. With kokanee beginning their spawning season, Mackinaw are following these schools in search of an easy meal. Anglers planning to launch a boat should be aware that the Donner Lake boat ramp is closed for renovations for the remainder of the season.

Boca Reservoir

Water levels at Boca Reservoir continue to drop as additional water is released, leaving the boat launch out of the water. Despite these conditions, trout fishing remains productive in several areas of the reservoir. Early mornings and late evenings continue to offer the best opportunities for anglers. Shore anglers should focus near the inlet, where trout are being caught using lures, worms, and salmon eggs. Some quality brown trout are also being caught throughout the reservoir. Kokanee have begun their spawning season, signaling another seasonal change as fall fishing conditions continue.

Stampede Reservoir

Water levels at Stampede Reservoir continue to decrease as fall progresses, but anglers are still finding opportunities to catch fish. Kokanee are currently spawning near the Little Truckee and Sagehen inlets, and anglers should be cautious of bears frequenting these areas in search of food. Rainbow trout fishing has been productive for anglers trolling Rapalas, while shore anglers are finding success near the dam using worms, PowerBait, and spinners. Smallmouth bass fishing has slowed considerably with cooler temperatures, and unless warmer weather returns, the bass bite is expected to remain slow for the remainder of the season.

Prosser Creek Reservoir

Prosser Creek Reservoir is currently around half capacity and continues to provide consistent fishing opportunities this fall. Cutthroat and rainbow trout are being caught near the north end and along underwater shelves using worms, PowerBait, and salmon eggs. Some quality cutbows are also showing up. Bass fishing remains fair as fish continue feeding ahead of winter. Anglers targeting bass should focus on weed lines, submerged structures, and warmer pockets of water using crawdad imitations, Senkos, or inline spinners like Rooster Tails. With multiple species actively feeding, Prosser remains a solid option for anglers looking to get out this fall.

Jackson Meadows

Jackson Meadows Reservoir continues to provide excellent rainbow trout fishing, particularly for shore anglers. Spinners, PowerBait, and worms are producing consistent action throughout several areas of the lake. Boat anglers are also finding quality brown trout by trolling Rapalas through deeper water. With productive shoreline fishing and opportunities to target multiple trout species, Jackson Meadows remains a worthwhile fall destination for anglers looking to escape heavier fishing pressure. Access is currently available Thursday through Sunday, but anglers should monitor incoming weather conditions. Once the first significant snowfall accumulates, road access to the reservoir will close for the season.

Lake Tahoe

No report this week.

Pyramid Lake

At Pyramid Lake, fish are starting to move closer to shore and the shore fishing should pick up soon. Most fish are still holding in deeper water around 40–60 feet, making floattube or boat fishing the most productive approach. Anglers fishing from boats or float tubes are finding success stripping vertically through these depths using balanced leeches, balanced minnows, heavy spoons, and heavy Woolly Worms. Shore fishing opportunities are expected to improve throughout November as colder conditions settle in.