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.
At lower elevations are popular fishing spots such as Rollins Lake and Scotts Flat Lake. Sections of the Bear River are known as productive fishing waters.
Not to be overlooked, of course, is sparkling Donner Lake on the east side of Donner Summit, easily accessible off Interstate 80. Although the lake can be challenging to fish at times, experienced anglers have good success. Hiring a local fishing guide is an excellent way to learn the waters and improve your skills.
Nevada County Campground Highlights
On the western slope campgrounds can be found at Scotts Flat Lake and along Highway 20.
A unique camping choice is Inn Town Campground on the outskirts of Nevada City. The campground has sites for tents and RVs and trailers as well as some comfortable Glamping sites (canvas tents on wooden platforms, complete with real beds, linens, and electricity.)
Around Grouse Ridge are several good campgrounds which make great base camps for fishing the nearby lakes. Campgrounds are also available at Donner Memorial State Park, Prosser Creek Reservoir, and Boca Reservoir.
California’s Best Camping
For complete information about campgrounds in Nevada County and beyond, see
High Sierra Trails
Fishing Supplies
A good selection of fishing supplies, camping gear, and food can be purchased in Nyack, only a few miles west on Interstate 80 from the Highway 20 junction. The store is open 24 hours a day. A gas station and Burger King are located there also. If you are coming up Highway 49/20, stop in Grass Valley at Reel Anglers Fly Shop at 760 South Auburn St.
In Truckee find everything you need at Trout Creek Outfitters, 11320 Donner Pass Road, or at Mountain Hardware and Sports, 11320 Donner Pass Road.
