Ice House Reservoir

At lake elevation, you are in logging country surrounded by many acres of large-company timber holdings. The heavily-forested backdrop provides comfortably green, although tame, surroundings. Large pines and firs around the lake and the distant Crystal Range are gentle reminders of the lake’s heritage.

Fishery:

The 678 surface acres lake includes about 10 miles of shoreline. Waters are generally cold and clear except for murky periods in early spring during high runoff.

This past year 2640 pounds of catchables and 12,000 fingerling brownies, plus 15,720 pounds of catchable rainbows were planted.

Much of the shoreline is fishable, especially around the dam and all along the north side of the nearly 3-mile long lake. Good road access follows along much of the north side from the dam to Strawberry Point. A primitive road continues up the remainder of the north shore to where the South Fork Silver Creek dumps into the reservoir. The southern shoreline is readily reachable by boat and some primitive boat-in camping spots are available. Logging roads approach the lake from above in several places, but none provide ready access. Some are gated or blocked to auto traffic. Only on the upper end of the lake does a road come near the shoreline.

Rainbow, brown and brook trout are routinely planted by the CDF&G every other week May through September. Resident fish routinely caught include brook and mackinaw trout and kokanee salmon. Brown trout approach trophy class but the lake is best known for being able to limit out with rainbows routinely in the 13”-14” range.

The lake provides good winter fishing, but the road is routinely closed by low elevation snows. At this elevation, the ice is iffy, and drawdown can make stability of the ice poor. The lake is not recommended for ice fishing except in the coldest of times. Check first.

Facilities:

A paved boat ramp for launching moderate-sized power boats is free of charge and located in the Ice House Campground area just north of the dam. A paved road provides access into the lake from Highway 50 or the Wentworth Springs Road via Georgetown. Highway 50 is more snow free in the winter but it can be closed due to snow also.

All boating and craft are permitted. Both waterskiing and jet skiing are popular. The upper end of the lake or during off-seasons are best for paddle boats. The lake is drawn down by late summer or fall. Wind sailing and small sailboats enjoy the commonly stiff breezes up the lake, especially in the afternoons.

There are three Forest Service campgrounds and one picnic area. They

…Ice House Campground overseen by the Pacific Ranger District, Eldorado National Forest, but operated by private concession. Generally open May 1-November 1. Includes 83 units with both tent units as well as tent, trailer, or RV suitable units. 8 are walk-in tent only. 6 two-family units. A few are easily to moderately wheelchair accessible. Vault toilets. No hookups or showers. Dump station within area. Fees. Some are reservation-only (call 1-877-444-6777 or website www.reserveusa.com), additional fees. Others are first-come, first-lucky basis. Adjacent picnic day-use area.

…Northwind Campground is operated by the Pacific Ranger District. Generally open May 1-November 1. Includes 9 units all of which are available for tent, trailer or R.V. 2 two-family units. The one vault toilet is wheelchair accessible, but none of the campsites. No hook-ups or showers. Dump station located at Ice House Campground. No reservations.

…Strawberry Point Campground is operated by the Pacific Ranger District. Generally open May 1-November 1. Includes 10 units all of which are available for tent trailer or R.V. The one vault toilet is wheelchair accessible, but none of the campsites. No hook-ups or showers. Dump station located at Ice House Campground. No reservations.

Ice House Resort is only 1.5 miles west of the dam. They offer RV Hookups, 32 campground sites, group campsite, 5 motel rooms, gas & propane, boat and trailer storage, laundromat, fishing gear, general store, cocktails and café. Presently open May 15 – October 15 but hope to be open year-round soon. Contact: Website-icehouseresort.com, phone (530) 293-3321, address 9000 Ice House Road.

Ice House Bike Trail: This 3,1 mile, dirt single-track trail stretches from about 200 miles north of the intersection of the Ice House Road that continues to Union Valley Reservoir and the FS#32 Road that continues by the Ice House Reservoir towards Wright Lake. At this point the bike trail ties into logging roads that extend up towards the Bill Hill Lookout. On the east end the bike trail accesses each of the three campgrounds on the reservoir. Parking on the east end is on the access road to Strawberry Point Campground.

Fishing Hints:

For rainbow trout trolling is still the best. In fall and winter lures near the surface work well, but in summer and as spring warms up, troll deeper using down riggers. Bait fishing works well and is best in spring and fall. Most of the northern shoreline is readily accessible by vehicle, but creek outlets produce the best. Off the dam and near campgrounds are also popular.

Brown trout are caught best while trolling. Summers are the slowest months. Troll larger-sized Cripplures, Needlefish, Rapalas, Rebels and Sparklefish. Mimic the colors of rainbow minnows. Bank anglers also want to be able to fish deep. Inflated nightcrawlers on setups designed for sliding sinkers are effective.

To Ice House Reservoir

From Placerville follow Highway 50 east for a little over 51 miles. The highway drops into the river canyon and crosses the South Fork American River. Quickly after the bridge, turn left up the Ice House Road. Follow the paved road for about 9 miles. Resort is on right near the intersection to the reservoir.

Communities

• Kyburz
• Pollock Pines