Independence Lake
...gated with walk- in access
DESCRIPTION:
The lake is isolated, scenic, but gated with walk-in access to lake level itself.
Normal capacity 17,295 Acre Feet.
Elevation 6944’ with a season of late June through October.
DIRECTIONS:
To Independence Lake
Turn right (west) off Highway 89 north of Truckee 17 miles at Little Donner Summit. Follow Jackson Lake Road (#S07) 1.5 miles and turn left (south) on Road #07-10 and continue by old Henness Pass Road for 1.2 miles. Turn left on Independence Lake Road (#S350) and follow rough, dirt road for 3.3 miles.
See East Slope Map.
ACTIVITIES:
Fishing (Rating: Best)
Managed by California Department of Fish & Game as a pure Lahontan cutthroat fishery -- if caught , all must be released. But large Brown (8 lbs.), brook trout (3 lbs.) and kokanee available. Poor fishing from banks.
Independence Creek above lake closed to fishing year-round.
Boating Lakes & Reservoirs (Rating: Good)
No boat launch, no motorized crafts due to gated road.
Good flatwater paddle but winds can ruin a good day of paddling.
Camping (Rating: Good)
Independence Lake Campground (Sierra Pacific Power Co.) 20 sites, some okay for small trailers but very rough roads required to get to the lake.
See East Slope Map.
