High-Country Rainbow Trout Country
Why Rent On Lake Davis
Lake Davis sits just north of Portola in Plumas County, a 4,000-acre reservoir surrounded by forested peaks and rolling mountain meadows at nearly 5,800 feet elevation. Originally built in 1967 for recreation and water storage, the lake is now best known for its exceptional rainbow trout fishing, supported by aggressive stocking programs that keep the catches consistent and the anglers happy. The prohibition on jet skis and water skiing preserves a calm, quiet atmosphere on the water that paddlers, pontoon cruisers, and fishing families find deeply appealing.
A Mountain Cabin Sets the Tone
Vacation rentals and mountain cabin stays near Lake Davis give families a warm, comfortable base in a setting that feels genuinely remote without being inaccessible. A full kitchen and real bedrooms make a multi-night stay here completely comfortable for groups of any size or age. The Lake Davis Recreation Area offers multiple campgrounds and picnic sites for day-use options, but a proper rental cabin gives you the kitchen, the hot tub, and the porch views that turn a fishing trip into a proper family vacation.
Fish, Paddle, and Hike Through Meadows
Rainbow trout fishing at Lake Davis is among the best in the Northern Sierra, and guests who rise early enough to get on the water before breakfast are reliably rewarded. Kayaking and paddleboarding on the calm, no-wake surface are ideal activities for all ages, and the lake’s quiet atmosphere makes every session on the water feel meditative rather than stimulating. Hiking trails around the lake and into the surrounding Plumas National Forest cover terrain that ranges from easy meadow walks to more demanding ridge routes.
Winter Transforms Everything
Lake Davis in winter becomes a completely different destination, with ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing all popular in the surrounding meadow and forest terrain. The quiet, snow-covered landscape around the lake in January and February has a beauty that is entirely different from the summer fishing season, and families who make the trip in winter often find it the more memorable experience. A well-heated cabin with a fireplace makes winter visits entirely comfortable.
Nakoma Resort for Mountain Luxury
Nearby Nakoma Resort, designed with a Frank Lloyd Wright influence, offers spa services and golf with mountain views that make a midday or evening visit from the lake a genuinely special experience. The resort’s character adds a layer of unexpected sophistication to what might otherwise be a purely rustic destination. Lake Davis is one of Plumas County’s finest lake experiences, and the right rental makes it a trip worth planning well in advance.
- Surface area (mi)
- 10.12
- Max depth (ft)
- 107.94
- Elevation (ft)
- 5885.83
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 32
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Waterskiing
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Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Davis has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, swimming is allowed at Lake Davis but only on the designated beach area. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
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Lake Davis is a popular destination for outdoor activities and fishing because it offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. It provides camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing in the summer, and ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing in the winter. The lake is well known for its fishing, including winter ice fishing and summer angling.
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You can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, and brown bullhead in Lake Davis, California. The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and supports a diverse aquatic ecosystem that helps these fish thrive. It is known for its healthy and hard-fighting trout population.
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Yes, there are picnic areas near Lake Davis, but they are not traditional beaches. The Lake Davis Dam Picnic Area and other sites around the lake offer picnic tables and other amenities, though they are not specifically beaches for swimming or sunbathing.
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The closest town to Lake Davis is Portola, California, which is about 7 miles south. Other nearby towns include Susanville, Truckee, and Grass Valley, all located within Plumas County or neighboring areas.
