Nevada County Fishing Destinations

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Nevada County Fishing Highlights

Nevada County offers a broad variety of fishing destinations for anglers of all types. On the western slope of the Sierra the Middle Fork of the Yuba River (paralleling Highway 49) and the Bear River (paralleling Interstate 80) mark Nevada County's northern and southern borders respectively.

A number of large reservoirs such as Bowman Lake and Spaulding Lake are found in the high country on the west side of the summit, while to the east are Prosser Creek Reservoir and Boca Reservoir, both very popular as Sierra fishing destinations. The Truckee River flowing out of Lake Tahoe is world-renowned for its fly fishing.

A wonderful resource for fishermen in the Nevada County area is the publication titled Sierra Outdoors, A Recreation Guide for the North-Central Sierra Nevada, published by Aardvark Publications in Grass Valley. Its detailed maps and instructions can guide you to many great outdoor locations. Also Jeffrey P. Schaffer's The Tahoe Sierra, A Natural History Guide to 112 Hikes in the Northern Sierra is a comprehensive resource.

Along the South Fork of the Yuba River

If you are looking for adventure, follow Highway 20 east from Nevada City and turn down the road to the little settlement of Washington. By following dirt roads and the South Yuba Trail you can fish up and down the Middle Fork of the Yuba here. Naturally you will want to be respectful of private property and mining claims. Another access to the South Yuba is from the North Bloomfield Road which you pick up in Nevada City. Again you can use the South Yuba Trail to fish up and down the river.

Fishing the Grouse Ridge Area

Many of the featured trips in this guide are in the Grouse Ridge area. Its popularity comes from its relatively easy terrain and its multitude of lakes. Located north of Interstate 80 near its junction with Highway 20, Grouse Ridge's most heavily used access points are at Grouse Ridge Lookout, Carr Lake, Lindsey Lake, and Sawmill Lake. All of these access roads are rough dirt and gravel routes. Four-wheel drive is generally not necessary, but a high-clearance vehicle is a must.

Scattered Lakes and Reservoirs

Near Grouse Ridge are a number of small lakes and reservoirs that offer good fishing. Most are accessible by car, some only by 4-wheel. On the Bowman Lake road Fuller Lake is a popular fishing stop. Nearby are Rucker Lake and Blue Lake, while farther back the Bowman Lake Road and then up a rutted dirt road you find Weaver Lake. Part of the lake is private property, but the public side offers at least one very nice camping spot. Far out the dirt road past Bowman Lake you will find Sawmill Lake and the Faucherie Lake. Despite their remoteness, they are popular in the summer. If you hike to other lesser visited lakes such as Weil Lake you will have better luck fishing.

Donner Summit

Tramping north 12 miles on the Pacific Crest trail from Donner Summit will lead you to White Rock Lake. Despite its remoteness, there is a rough 4-wheel drive road leading to the lake. Better choices for fishing, I think, are Lower Lola Montez Lake or Warren Lake. There are also a number of tiny lakes dotted around the area, including Hole in the Ground, Sand Ridge Lake, and Paradise Lake. The cross-country route from Warren Lake to Paradise Lake looks tempting, but it can be challenging. Carry a good map, compass, or GPS.

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