Dave's Sierra Fishing

El Dorado County Fishing Destinations


El Dorado County Fishing Highlights


Fishing El Dorado County offers a broad diversity of waters in which to try your luck, ranging from Folsom Reservoir on the west to Lake Tahoe on the east. Among the popular flat water accessible by car are Union Valley Reservoir, Ice House Reservoir, and Loon Lake. To my mind the best fishing in El Dorado County is in the high country, off the beaten path.


Desolation Wilderness

Photo of Echo Lakes in the Desolation Wilderness
Echo Lakes, Desolation Wilderness

One of the most popular trailheads into the Desolation Wilderness is at Echo Lakes near Echo Summit on Highway 50. From the Echo Chalet you can catch a water taxi to the far end of Upper Echo Lake, saving yourself 2.5 miles of hiking and putting you well on your way to fishing in the Desolation Wilderness.

From there it is hardly a mile to Tamarack Lake and only 3 miles to island dotted Lake Aloha. A half dozen other small lakes, less often fished, are in the area, including Lake Lucille, Lake Margery, Ralston Lake, and Triangle Lake. Any of these lakes could be fished in a day outing by taking advantage of the water taxi. For all trips into the Desolation Wilderness, whether day trips or overnight, be sure to pick up a wilderness permit.


Photo of Lake Aloha in the Desolation Wilderness
Lake Aloha, Desolation Wilderness

Another popular entrance to the Desolation Wilderness for good fishing is from Fallen Leaf Lake. The trail leads up to a cluster of lakes such as Gilmore Lake, Susie Lake, Half Moon Lake, and Heather Lake (see Susie Lake). The Emerald Bay trailhead (see Eagle Lake) leads past Eagle Lake to all the Velma Lakes, Dicks Lake, and rarely visited Fontanillis Lake. On the west side of the Desolation Wilderness many people like to begin their fishing outing at Twin Bridges or Wrights Lake. Like the Fallen Leaf trailhead, these begin with a stiff uphill hike.

Meiss Country

Photo of Susie Lake in the Desolation Wilderness
Susie Lake, Desolation Wilderness

Located southwest of Lake Tahoe near the Luther Pass road, the Meiss Country offers solitude and beautiful scenery without the high elevations and steep climbs of the Desolation Wilderness. The Dardanelles Lake trip, one of our featured trips, takes you into the heart of Meiss Country. Scotts Lake is only a 2.5 miles hike from the trailhead. Fishing is not allowed in Meiss Lake. Check your California Fish and Game site for special fishing regulations for the Upper Truckee River.