Kayak Fishing on Donner Lake

I have cracked the code on catching Mackinaw (Lake Trout) in Donner Lake.  I tried for a couple years and didn’t catch any!

However, I caught 4 last year and 5 already this year.  The ones I caught are between 3 and 4 pounds – the one in the picture here I would guess is maybe 30 pounds.

I like the China Cove area – this is where the beach is at the west end of Donner State Park. Trolling is good for Rainbows close to the Beach “Ropes”. I like a wedding ring with a nitecrawler when I fish for Rainbow. Kokanee will also hit this rig. China Cove is somewhat “protected” from winds and ski boats – which is another reason to like it.

Mackinaw can be found in 70-100′ of water in the mid section of China Cove. Bring a fishfinder – they tend to hang around in groups near the bottom. You can also see Kokanee up a bit higher and Rainbow closer to the surface. On a nice calm morning, early as possible, jig for the Mac’s just off the bottom. You’ll know it when the Mac’s hit your jig. The alternative is to use a downrigger and troll deep – not the easiest approach in a Kayak.

Good Luck!

Oh, and this is not me – just a nice pic of a big Mac!

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