PLACERVILLE . INFO

El Dorado County is the heart of the most diversified recreational area in California, with approximately one million acres of national forest land. Desolation Wilderness area is the most visited wilderness area in the state. The greater El Dorado County area provides ten major reservoirs and has 11,640 acres of lakes. There are family campgrounds, plus several additional picnic areas and boat ramps. In addition to the abundance of lakes, 575 miles of rivers and streams provide habitat for over 20 known fish species.

Fishing Spots in El Dorado County: American River (Silver Fork Riverton), Stumpy Meadows, American River South Fork Coloma, El Dorado Forebay, Kirkwood Lake, Consumnes River, Ice House Reservoir, Kirkwood Lake, Loon Lake, and Union Valley Reservoir. Click Here for a Reservoir Map

El Dorado County Fish and Game Commission - The El Dorado Fish & Game Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on matters pertaining to the conservation of Fish and Game. The commission also makes recommendations to the Board on the expenditure of Fish and Game propagation funds and fine revenue and performs other duties and functions as directed by the Board.

California Department of Fish and Game - 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, California 95814 Phone: (916) 653-7664 ~ Fax: (916) 653-1856

Freshwater Fishing Guide - To help you plan your fishing day, the California Department of Fish and Game has developed the FishingGuide.  The FishingGuide contains locations which Fish and Game has determined will offer excellent opportunities for recreational fishing.  These locations were derived in part from the DFG's trout planting data, as well as from input by DFG regional and headquarters staff.   This interactive program was compiled by Fisheries Programs Branch through communications with DFG staff.  The software was written by Information Technology Branch, Geographic Information Systems Unit staff. 

Local expert fishing tips and fishing gear - KEN'S CUSTOM TACKLE COMPANY has fine hand-crafted, custom-made trolling flashers and trolling lures ... flashers and lures have been developed after many years of fishing experience on the lakes in the Crystal Basin area of the El Dorado National Forest and many of the other surrounding lakes in Northern California. P.O. Box 948, Camino, CA 95709, Phone: (530) 647-2306.

Eldorado National Forest - offers the angler many opportunities to experience the fine fishing we have available. The Forest has many coldwater reservoirs, most with developed boating access ramps and campgrounds. Hundreds of lakes lie in the Desolation Wilderness and Mokelumne Wilderness for your backpacking or horsepacking enjoyment. Many are stocked by nature with reproducing brook trout. Presently most reservoirs are stocked with trout by California Department of Fish and Game, and several of our rivers on the forest are stocked with catchable trout. We offer a variety of fishing experiences for you to discover and enjoy. As you use our site, we hope you find much useful information to guide you in your fishing exploits.

Reservoirs

• Bear River Reservoir - Rainbow and brown trout are stocked annually by California Department of Fish and Game in Lower Bear River Reservoir. Rainbow trout are stocked in Upper Bear River Reservoir. Lake trout have also been caught. From Jackson go 40 miles east on Highway 88, turn right onto Bear River Reservoir road. There are two nearby developed campsites at South Shore Campground and Bear River Group Campground. South Shore Campground has 22 units and is first come, first served; Bear River Group Campground has 3 sites which may accommodate 25-50 people. For reservations at the group campground call Sierra Recreation Managers at (209) 295-4512. Fees are charged at both campgrounds. There is piped water, picnic tables, toilets, grills, and fire-rings, but no hook-ups. Open May 15 - Oct. 15, depending on snow.
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• Blue Lakes - Rainbow trout, Eagle Lake trout, and cutthroat trout in both Upper and Lower Blue Lakes. Lower Blue Lake also has brook trout. Although fishing is allowed year round, the lake in inaccessible in the winter due to snow.  From Highway 88 (either 6.6 miles east of Carson Pass or 2.5 miles west of the Highway 88/89 junction), take Blue Lakes road 12 miles south. Overnight camping is available at the upper and lower Blue Lakes campgrounds. No reservations.
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• Caples Lake - Brook, brown, rainbow, and lake trout have been caught. Tui chub also present. Not presently stocked. Although fishing is allowed year round, the lake is not accessible in the winter.  Located 63 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88. Overnight camping available at Caples Lake campground. No reservations. Fee. Named after James "Doc" Caples who emigrated from Ohio in 1848 and passed through the area on his way to settle in Placerville and Sacramento. "Doc" Caples was a delegate to the 1849 convention which wrote the CA State Constitution under which California was admitted to the union in 1850.
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• Hell Hole Reservoir - Presently stocked with catchable rainbow and brown trout and kokanee salmon fingerlings by California Dept of Fish and Game. Other fish previously caught include lake and brook trout. Sacramento sucker and tui chub also present.  Accessible only in the summer and fall.  Travel 22 miles east of Georgetown on Wentworth Springs road, then 30 miles northeast on Forest Road 2 (52 miles from Georgetown).  Overnight camping available at Hell Hole campground and Big Meadows campground.  Forest map can be purchased at a Ranger Station  Georgetown Ranger District, 7600 Wentworth Springs Road, Georgetown, CA 95634, (530) 333-4312
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• Ice House Reservoir -  Rainbow, brown, and brook trout are planted by California Department of Fish and Game every other week May through September. Other fish caught include brook and lake trout and kokanee salmon. Golden shiners may also be seen.  Year-round fishing, depending on accessible road conditions.   From Pollock Pines continue on Hwy 50 east 9 miles to Ice House Road. Turn north on Ice House Road toward Crystal Basin and travel 10.5 miles to Ice House Reservoir turn-off. Travel 1.5 miles farther to Ice House Reservoir.  Overnight camping is available in the summer at Ice House Campground, Strawberry Campground, and Northwind Campground.  Forest map can be purchased at a Ranger Station. Click here for Crystal Basin Recreation area map from SMUD.
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• Jenkinson Lake - The lake offers many kinds of trout - German Brown, Rainbow, Lake Trout and Kamloop small mouth bass and blue gill. Jenkinson Lake is open to all types and sizes of watercraft except for personal watercraft like Jet Ski's. A five miles per hour zone in the back of the park is calm and quiet  for fishermen. A California Fishing License is required. SLY PARK 4771 Sly Park Rd., Pollock Pines, CA 95726, 530-644-2545 (Jenkinson) Lake Located south of Highway 50 off of Sly Park Road. The park offers camping, hiking, fishing, boating and picnicking. The Sly Park story is featured in the James Calvin Sly Museum located in the park. Jenkinson Lake, formed by Sly Park Dam, has a storage capacity of 41,000 acre-feet with a surface area of 650 acres. Municipal and industrial water is furnished to the city of Placerville and nearby small communities, and irrigation water is furnished to El Dorado Irrigation District.
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• Loon Lake -  Rainbow trout is planted every other week by California Department of Fish and Game, from May through August. Lake is accessible year-round. Ice fishing not recommended due to fluctuating water levels.  From Pollock Pines continue on Hwy 50 east 9 miles to Ice House Road. Turn north on Ice House Road toward Crystal Basin and travel 29 miles. Turn east and go 5 miles to fork in the road, then turn east to the lake. Overnight camping is available at Loon Lake Campground, Northshore RV Campground, Loon Lake Chalet, and Red Fir Group Campground.  Forest map can be purchased at a Ranger Station. Click here for Crystal Basin Recreation area map from SMUD.
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• Silver Lake -  Presently stocked with catchable rainbow and brown trout. Historically stocked also with brook, cutthroat, and lake trout. Although fishing is allowed all year, the lake is under snow in the winter.  Located on Highway 88, 52 miles east of of Jackson. Overnight camping available at Silver Lake East and West Campgrounds. No reservations. Fee. Plasse's Resort is operating at the Silver Lake Basin.
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• Stumpy Meadows Reservoir -  Rainbow trout planted every other week from May through August. Year round fishing. Access difficult in winter due to snow.  From Placerville, take Hwy 49 N, follow the signs to Georgtown. Turn E on Main Street in Georgetown, this is Wentworth Springs Road and travel 18.5 miles to reservoir. Ice and snow may close road in the winter. Boat ramp, RV sites. Elevation 4,200 feet. Camping available at Stumpy Meadows Campground and Black Oak Group Campground. Reservation and First-come first-serve sites. Fee.  Some history: Prior to this area being a reservoir, it belonged to the Swift Family, and was grazed by cattle as there were meadows here. The Bacci Family used it after the Swifts. In 1960 the Mark Edson Dam was built, named after the first engineer for the Dept. of Water Resources who worked very had to obtain water rights. The reservoir was called Lake Edson. But people still knew it as Stumpy Meadows, so the son of the original homesteaders, Mr. Swift, paid the costs to change the name back to Stumpy Meadows Reservoir, and left the name Edson Dam for the dam portion.
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• Union Valley Reservoir -  Rainbow trout are planted by California Department of Fish and Game every other week, from May through September. Brown trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass are also caught. Lake is accessible year-round. Ice fishing not recommended due to fluctuating water levels.  From Pollock Pines continue on Hwy 50 east 9 miles to Ice House Road. Turn north on Ice House Road toward Crystal Basin and travel 16 miles. Overnight camping is available at Jones Fork, Sunset, Lone Rock, Azalea Cove, Wench Creek, Yellowjacket, Wolf Creek, Camino Cove, and Westpoint Campgrounds. Boatramps available at Sunset, Yellowjacket, or Westpoint.  Click here for Crystal Basin Recreation area map from SMUD. Surrounded by conifer forest. Resort on Ice House Road.

Natural Lakes

• Gertrude Lake -  Golden trout are no longer stocked by California Department of Fish and Game in Desolation Wilderness. This lake has not been surveyed to determine species status. Although fishing is allowed year-round, the lake is accessible in the winter by ski or snowshoe only.  Hiking only. Gertrude Lake is in Desolation Wilderness. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment are allowed in the Wilderness; such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats. This lake is reached by parking at the Rockbound or Twin Lakes parking area near Wrights Lake and hiking the Tyler Lake Trail. The 4.2 mile hike to Gertrude Lake is considered moderate to difficult. From Kyburz on Highway 50 go 5 miles east to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north), and go 8 miles to the campground. Several dispersed campsites exist, with generally very limited camping. To preserve the wilderness condition, either camp in obviously already used sites, or camp 100 feet from the lakeside.  Elevation: 8,000 feet. .
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• Grouse Lake -  Rainbow trout are no longer stocked by California Department of Fish and Game in Desolation Wilderness. Both brook and rainbow trout are present. Although fishing is allowed year-round, the lake is accessible in the winter by ski or snowshoe only.  Hiking only. Grouse Lake is in Desolation Wilderness. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment are allowed in the Wilderness; such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats. This lake is reached by parking at the Twin Lakes parking area near Wrights Lake and hiking the Grouse Lake Trail. The 2 mile hike to Grouse Lake is considered a moderate to difficult hike. From Kyburz on Highway 50 go 5 miles east to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north), and go 8 miles to the campground. A limited number of campsites within 500 feet of this lake have been designated and signed in order to restore vegetation around the lake. These sites are un-numbered and first-come, first served only. If they are filled, then camp outside the 500 foot perimeter. Please limit group sizes in order to preserve the solitude and wilderness experiences for all (maximum size is 12 people).  Elevation: 8,4120 feet. 
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• Hemlock Lake -  Brook trout are no longer stocked by California Department of Fish and Game in Desolation Wildernes Although fishing is allowed year-round, the lake is accessible in the winter by ski or snowshoe only.  Hiking only. Hemlock Lake is in Desolation Wilderness. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment are allowed in the Wilderness; such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats. This lake is reached by parking at the Twin Lakes parking area near Wrights Lake and hiking the Grouse Lake Trail. The 2.6 mile hike is considered a difficult hike. From Kyburz on Highway 50 go 5 miles east to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north), and go 8 miles to the campground. A limited number of campsites within 500 feet of this lake have been designated and signed in order to restore vegetation around the lake. These sites are un-numbered and first-come, first served only. If they are filled, then camp outside the 500 foot perimeter. Please limit group sizes in order to preserve the solitude and wilderness experiences for all (maximum size is 12 people).  Elevation: 8,400 feet. 
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• Island Lake -  Rainbow trout are no longer stocked by CA Dept. of Fish and Game in Desolation Wilderness. Both brook and rainbow trout were present, and the brook trout seem to dominate. Although fishing is allowed year-round, the lake is accessible in the winter by ski or snowshoe only.  Hiking only. Island Lake is in Desolation Wilderness. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment are allowed in the Wilderness; such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats. This lake is reached by parking at the Twin Lakes parking area near Wrights Lake and hiking the Twin Lakes Trail. This 3.5 mile hike is considered a moderate hike. From Kyburz on Highway 50 go 5 miles east to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north), and go 8 miles to the campground. There are a fair number of campsites. To preserve the wilderness condition, either camp in obviously already used sites, or camp 100 feet from the lakeside. Please limit group sizes in order to preserve the solitude and wilderness experiences for all (maximum size is 12 people). Open campfires are not allowed. Elevation: 8,120 feet.
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• Lyons Lake -  Brook trout are no longer stocked by California Department of Fish and Game in Desolation Wilderness. Although fishing is allowed year-round, the lake is accessible in the winter by ski or snowshoe only.  Hiking only. Lyons Lake is in Desolation Wilderness. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment are allowed in the Wilderness; such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats. This lake is reached by parking at the Lyons Creek parking area and hiking the Lyons Creek Trail. This 5 mile hike is considered a moderate to difficult hike. From Kyburz on Highway 50 go 5 miles east to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north), and go 8 miles to the campground. Several dispersed campsites exist. To preserve the wilderness condition, either camp in obviously already used sites, or camp 100 feet from the lakeside. Please limit group sizes in order to preserve the solitude and wilderness experiences for all (maximum size is 12 people). Open campfires are not allowed.  Elevation: 8,400 feet.
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• Maude Lake -  Rainbow trout are no longer stocked by California Dept. of Fish and Game. Both brown and rainbow trout were present. Although fishing is allowed year-round, the lake is accessible in the winter by ski or snowshoe only.  Hiking only. Maude Lake is in Desolation Wilderness. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment are allowed in the Wilderness; such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats. This lake is reached by parking at the Rockbound or Twin Lakes parking area near Wrights Lake and hiking the Rockbound Trail. This 4.7 mile hike is on a moderate hiking trail. From Kyburz on Highway 50 go 5 miles east to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north), and go 8 miles to the campground. Several dispersed campsites exist, with generally very limited camping. To preserve the wilderness condition, either camp in obviously already used sites, or camp 100 feet from the lakeside. Please limit group sizes in order to preserve the solitude and wilderness experiences for all (maximum size is 12 people). Open campfires are not allowed. Elevation: 7,660 feet. 
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• Smith Lake -  This lake is not stocked and brook trout only has been caught. If you catch any other fish species in here, let the Forest fish biologist know. Although fishing is allowed year-round, the lake is accessible in the winter by ski or snowshoe only.  Hiking only. Smith Lake is in Desolation Wilderness. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment are allowed in the Wilderness; such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats. This lake is reached by parking at the Twin Lakes parking area near Wrights Lake and hiking the Grouse Lake Trail. This 3 mile hike is considered a difficult hike. From Kyburz on Highway 50 go 5 miles east to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north), and go 8 miles to the campground. Several dispersed campsites exist, with generally very limited camping. To preserve the wilderness condition, either camp in obviously already used sites, or camp 100 feet from the lakeside. Please limit group sizes in order to preserve the solitude and wilderness experiences for all (maximum size is 12 people). Open campfires are not allowed. Elevation 8,700 feet.
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• Sylvia Lake -  Brook trout are no longer stocked by California Department of Fish and Game. Although fishing is allowed year-round, the lake is accessible in the winter by ski or snowshoe only.  Hiking only. Sylvia Lake is in Desolation Wilderness. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment are allowed in the Wilderness; such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats. This lake is reached by parking at the Lyons Creek parking area near Wrights Lake and hiking the Lyons Creek Trail. This is considered a moderate hike. From Kyburz on Highway 50 go 5 miles east to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north), and go 8 miles to the campgound. There are many camping spots. Sensitive marshy meadow areas exist around the lake where soil compaction and vegetation loss is affecting the pristine environment. To preserve the wilderness condition, either camp in obviously already used sites, or camp 100 feet from the lakeside. Please limit group sizes in order to preserve the solitude and wilderness experiences for all (maximum size is 12 people). Open campfires are not allowed.
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• Twin Lakes -  Rainbow trout are no longer stocked by California Department of Fish and Game. Both brook and rainbow trout were present, with the brook tending to dominate. Although fishing is allowed year-round, the lake is accessible in the winter by ski or snowshoe only.  Hiking only. Twin Lakes is in Desolation Wilderness. No motorized, mechanized, or wheeled equipment are allowed in the Wilderness; such as bicycles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, or motorboats. This lake is reached by parking at the Twin Lakes parking area near Wrights Lake and hiking the Twin Lakes Trail. This is considered a moderate 3 mile hike. From Kyburz on Highway 50 go 5 miles east to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north), and go 8 miles to the campground. There are many campsites near these lakes. To preserve the wilderness condition, either camp in obviously already used sites, or camp 100 feet from the lakeside. Please limit group sizes in order to preserve the solitude and wilderness experiences for all (maximum size is 12 people). Open campfires are not allowed.  Elevation: 8,100 feet.
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• Wrights Lake -  Catchable rainbow or brown trout are stocked monthly by California Dept. of Fish and Game to supplement the wild trout production. Brook trout may also be caught. Although fishing is allowed year-round, the lake is inaccessible by vehicle in the winter due to snow.  From Kyburz on Highway 50, go east 5 miles to Wrights Lake Road. Turn left (north) and go 8 miles to the campgound. There are trails on both sides of the lake. There are two trailhead parking areas here for hikers going into the Desolation Wilderness; Rockbound parking area and Twin Lakes parking area. Wrights Lake Campground and Wrights Lake Equestrian Campgound. A fee is charged. There is piped water, picnic tables, handicapped accessible toilets, grills, and fire-rings, but no hook-ups. Call 1-877-444-6777 for campsite reservations. Reservation season in the first friday after Fourth of July weekend through Labor Day. Usually open first-come, first served into early October. Elevation: 7,000 feet. Forest and Desolation Wilderness maps area available at forest Ranger Stations. Click here for Crystal Basin Recreation area map from SMUD.  Elevation 7,000 feet. A popular swimming site. No motorboats are permitted on Wrights Lake, non-motorized craft only.

RIVERS

• Middle Fork Cosumnes River -  Rainbow and brown trout. Catchable rainbow trout are stocked by California Department of Fish and Game at PiPi Campground twice in the spring to supplement the wild trout production. For the section of the river east of Highway 49, the season is from the last Saturday in April through November 15th.  Handicapped fishing access is available at Pipi Campground. Pipi Campground. Generally open between May 1-Nov. 15. First come, first served. Fee required. 51 campings units, some with handicapped accessibility. Water, picnic tables, handicapped accessible toilets, grills, and firerings. 8 picnic sites. For reservation information call: 1-(877)-444-6777. Access from Highway 88 is just west of Cooks Station. Follow the North-South Road to the campground. A forest map can be purchased at a Ranger Station.  The name "Cosumnes" may have come from the Miwok Indian word kosum (salmon), and the suffix-umne (tribe or people). John A. Sutter, one of the first settlers of the Sacramento Valley in 1839, is credited with establishing the spelling and he probably suggested the name for the river.
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• Rubicon River -  This is a designated wild trout river from Hell Hole Dam to the confluence with the American River. Rainbows and large brown trout are present. Last Saturday in April through November 15th.  Can be reached by vehicle using Eleven Pines Road to Ellicott Bridge. From here the Hunters Trail follows the river on the north side hiking upstream all the way to Hell Hole Reservoir. This is in a steep canyon up to 2,400 ft. deep, with exposed bedrock, numerous small cascades, and boulder fields. There is also vehicle access for fishing upstream from the Ralston picnic area and Ralston Powerhouse east of Foresthill. Another access hiking trail is Buckeye Flat Trail. Take Rd 14N25 east from Ralston to Pennsylvania Point. There is a gated OHV trail that should be walked (about 1.5 miles long). A forest map can be obtained at the Georgetown Ranger Station. Nevada Point Trail leads to the river from Road 13N41 and is very steep and arduous. Contact the Georgetown Ranger Station for trail conditions before attempting this trail. Nearest developed campgrounds are at Hell Hole Reservoir or Stumpy Meadows Reservoir. We'd appreciate your help in filling out the angler survey cards found in boxes near Ellicott Bridge and in the Ralston area.
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• Silver Fork American River -  Brown trout are resident in the river. Catchable rainbow trout are stocked every other week by California Dept. of Fish and Game from opening of season through July. Last Saturday in April through November 15th.  Elevation 4,500 feet. China Flat and Silver Fork campgrounds. A fee is charged. There is piped water, picnic tables, handicapped accessible toilets, grills, and fire-rings, but no hook-ups. First come, first served. Open May 15 - Oct. 15, depending on snow. China Flat has 26 units; Silver Fork has 34 units. Fee. No reservations. Take Highway 50 east of Placerville 32.5 miles to Kyburz and then take the Silver Fork Road to the river and campgrounds. Low gradient stream with pools and riffles.
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• South Fork American River -  Species present are rainbow and brown trout. Catchable rainbow trout are stocked by California Department of Fish and Game weekly at Riverton to supplement the wild trout production from opening day through July. For the river section east of Highway 49 the season is the last Saturday in April to November 15th. West of Highway 49 all year.  There is accessibility to fisherman at our picnic areas, although these areas are not wheelchair accessible. Bridalveil picnic area is located 17 miles east of Placerville. It has toilets, and grills, and is also nice for swimming in late summer. Indian Springs picnic area is 27 miles east of Placerville, with tables, and toilets. Eagle Rock picnic area is on Hwy 50, 1.5 miles east of Kyburz, 31 miles east of Placerville. There are picnic tables and toilets. 42-mile picnic area is 38 miles east of Placerville, with picnic tables and toilets. Sand Flat and Lovers Leap campgrounds. There is piped water, picnic tables, handicapped accessible camping sites, toilets, grills, and fire-rings, but no hook-ups. First come, first served. Open May 15 - Nov. 1, depending on snow. A fee is charged at Sand Flat. Groceries, gas, and cafe available at Kyburz near Sand Flat.

SMALL STREAMS

• Camp Creek -  There are resident rainbow and brown trout populations in this creek. East of Highway 49, from the last Saturday in April to November 15.  To reach the area: drive 15 miles east of Placerville on Hwy 50, 5 miles southeast of Pollock Pines on Sly Park Road, 10 miles east on Mormon Emigrant Trail, turn south on south on North/South Road. The road crosses the creek approximately 3 miles in. Elevation = 5,200'. The nearest U.S. Forest Service developed campground to Camp Creek is at Capps Crossing Campground on the North Fork Cosumnes River. This campground is on the North South road, Fee. First come, first served. Camping is permitted for a short stay in undesignated dispersed camping areas, but no facilities would be available there. A campfire permit is necessary for any campfires; during summer months these may not be allowed. Please bring your trash home. Please do not camp next to the river, but maintain a distance to preserve the riparian vegetation for the ecology of this sensitive area. There is a non-USFS campground at Sly Park Reservoir.
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• Cole Creek -  Rainbow and brook trout. East of Highway 49, from the last Saturday in April to November 15.  Along road 8N14 below Lower Bear River Reservoir. The closest maintained USFS campground from Camp Creek is at Lower Bear River Reservoir at South Shore campground. This is located 34 miles east of Jackson and 8 miles south of Hwy 88 via the Bear River Road. There are 22 units (none are handicapped accessible). There is a fee, with vault toilets, no showers, piped water, picnic tables, grills, and fire-rings. A dump station is located at Bear River Resort. Campground at 5,900' elevation and generally open between May 15 and Oct. 15. There is a dispersed camping area with portapotties along Cole Creek. Please do not camp along the water's edge or disturb the riparian vegetation there. Maintain a distance to preserve the riparian vegetation for the ecology of this sensitive area. Drive only on well-worn roads. To reach this area from South Shore campground, continue east on 8N03 until the road turns into 8N08. Continue on to 8N14. Turn right onto 8N14 and travel about 2 miles until you see the bridge crossing the creek. Just past the bridge on 8N14 is the camping area. Obtain a campfire permit from a USFS office before making a campfire; during summer months campfires may not be allowed.
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• Gerle Creek -  Brown, rainbow, and brook trout. East of Highway 49, from the last Saturday in April to November 15th.  Can easily walk from Gerle Creek Campground up Gerle Creek. The Reservoir has a handicapped accessible pier for fishing. The creek is not handicapped accessible. Gerle Creek Campground next to Gerle Creek Reservoir. Located 23 miles east of Placerville on Hwy 50 then 24 miles north on Forest Road 3 and 3 miles north on Forest Road 33. There are 49 units, a fee is required, some sites are available through reservation: (877) 444-6777. All other sites are on a first-come first-served basis. Facilities available are vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, and fire-rings, but no showers. There is a handicapped accessible toilet at the day use parking lot and a wheelchair accessible interpretive trail. Elevation: 5,300 feet. Dump station available on Loon Lake Road. Dispersed camping is allowed next to Gerle Creek. Please drive only on well-worn roads for this camping. No piped water or toilets are available there. Campfire permits are needed before a campfire is allowed in these dispersed areas. Please take your trash home with you. Click here for Crystal Basin Recreation area map from SMUD. Swimming, fishing, boating, picniking, and an interpretive trail in the Gerle Creek Reservoir and Gerle Creek area. In Gerle Creek Reservoir, no motors are allowed on boats.
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• Lower Long Canyon - Rainbow trout. East of Highway 49, from the last Saturday in April to November 15th.  There is access to Long Canyon Creek along National Forest Road 23. Closest (but not really very close) USFS campgrounds to Long Canyon Creek are Stumpy Meadows Campground at Stumpy Meadows Campground or Big Meadows Campground at Hell Hole Reservoir. You may find some areas for dispersed camping without facilities. Please do not camp along the water's edge or disturb the riparian vegetation there. Maintain a distance to preserve the riparian vegetation for the ecology of this sensitive area. Drive only on well-worn roads. You must obtain a campfire permit before building a campfire; during summer months these may not be allowed. These are free from a USFS office.

About Desolation Wilderness

Welcome to Desolation Wilderness, 63,960 acres of subalpine and alpine forest, granitic peaks, and glacially-formed valleys and lakes. It is located west of Lake Tahoe and north of Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Desolation Wilderness is jointly administered by both the Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

The land which became Desolation Wilderness was part of the Lake Tahoe Forest Reserve, established in 1899. In 1910, when the first tourists were beginning to make their way over the narrow dirt roads of Echo and Donner summits, the are was made part of the newly formed Eldorado National Forest. The are was named the Desolation Valley Primitive Area in 1931, and in 1969 Desolation Wilderness was Congressionally designated and included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. This unique area now totals 63,960 acres of wilderness land which is ours to enjoy, protect, and care for. Enjoy your visit and be sure to Leave No Trace so that future generations may return to enjoy its permanent but changing beauty.

The Desolation Wilderness is managed according to the Wilderness Act of 1964 to "ensure an enduring resource of Wilderness for present and future generations." The wilderness character of the Desolation and its values of solitude, physical and mental challenge, scientific study, inspiration and primitive recreation will be protected, and where necessary, restored. Natural ecological conditions will be preserved under a concept of non-degradation, to prevent further loss of naturalness or solitude.

Detailed information may be found in the Desolation Wilderness Management Guidelines and Land Management Plan Amendment.