Overview

Stampede Reservoir California sits at an elevation of 5,949 feet above sea level with 25 miles of shoreline, giving plenty of room for fishing and other outdoor recreational fun. It’s just a short trip from Lake Tahoe.

Location & Information

You can reach Stampede Reservoir CA from Lake Tahoe by taking California Highway 89 to Interstate 80 East and driving 7 miles east of Truckee. Take the Hirschdale exit and simply follow the signs to the reservoir.

Stampede Reservoir is accessible throughout the year, but the best times to visit are from June through October. In the winter, the reservoir freezes, but you can still do some ice fishing.

Contact information:
Tahoe National Forest
Truckee Ranger District
10811 Stockrest Springs Road
Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 587-3558
Website: www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe

Activities

• Fishing
  You’ll find exceptional fishing on the reservoir, with plenty of catchable rainbow trout, brown and Kokanee trout. If you have the proper know-how, you’ll also pull in some Mackinaw. Stampede Reservoir is also wonderful for winter ice fishing.
• Boating
  All types of water vessels are allowed on the reservoir, with boat ramps giving plenty of space to launch. Sailing is great here, with nice breezes running the length of the lake.
• Hiking
  On the Crystal Mine Trail you can take an easy 1.5-mile out-and-back hike if you have about an hour to spare. Here you’ll enjoy the peacefulness of the national forest land surrounding, and end up at an old mine site on top of a hill.
• Camping
  There are two campgrounds, making for a wonderful Stampede Reservoir camping experience. The Emigrant Group Campground has sites for up to 50 people, including tables, barbeques and fire rings. There’s a dump station too. At the Logger Campground, individual tent or trailer sites are available.

Fun Facts

The dam that created the Stampede Reservoir was constructed in 1970. It is used to regulate the water flow for fisheries in Pyramid Lake and along Truckee River. The dam is 239 feet tall.