Spooner Lake
Map of Spooner Lake
View Nevada Fishing Map in a larger map
History
Spooner
Lake is a small impoundment constructed in 1927 to store irrigation water. In 1973, the Department of Wildlife developed
the lake into a trout fishery, but regulations changed from general (allowing
harvest) to a zero-harvest in 1982 and then back to allowing harvest in
2006. Spooner Lake is located in Douglas
County and situated within Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park at an elevation of
6,980 feet. Spooner Lake drains into
North Canyon Creek that empties into Lake Tahoe.
Pertinent Information
The
reservoir covers about 78 surface acres and has a depth of nearly 20 feet at
maximum capacity. Currently, sport fish
include rainbow trout and bowcutt trout (rainbow x cutthroat trout hybrid). Lahontan tui chub, however, dominate the lake
and compete for resources with trout. Anglers
generally catch trout that range between 10 and 14 inches, but some get as big
as 16 inches. Use small spinner or
spoons as well as flies and wade the shoreline or fish from float-tubes. Night crawlers and Power bait work equally as
well. Nevada Division of State Parks
charges a fee to enter Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park at Spooner Lake and
Backcountry. Picnic tables, barbecues,
restrooms, and water are available.
Vehicle parking is about 300 yards from the lake and there is a groomed
trail with a moderately sloping downhill leading to the lake’s edge. Most
angling occurs during the ice-free period from May or June through
October. Other activities include
mountain biking, hiking, and riding horseback on the many backcountry trails
that begin at Spooner Lake.
Stocking
Regulations
Boating Regulations
Boats with electric motors are permitted. Float-tube and canoe fishing are popular.
Access
Access to Spooner Lake is excellent for all types of vehicles. Restrictions, however, may occur during winter from heavy snowfall. From Carson City, travel 3 miles south on Highway 395 to Highway 50. Head west on Highway 50 approximately 10 miles to Spooner Summit, along the eastern edge of the Sierras. Turn north on Highway 28 for ½ mile to the Spooner Lake Park entrance.
