Lake Boca, Prosser and Stampede. These three " gems " are only one half hour from Lake Tahoe, but are often overlooked by all but the local trouter. Each lake has its own “ personality “, so to speak, with different ecologies and trout populations.
Boca, at just under 1,000 acres, is best known for its German browns and rainbow trout. Best areas to fish are from the Boca Rest Camp to the dam and from the point across the lake from the Rest Camp. Fast troll Rebels and broken back Rapalas in these locations. Augment this with trolling blades pulled ahead of small spoons for planter quality trout.
The action is usually concentrated in 10 to 20 foot depths for browns and rainbows. Gold Kastmasters and Hopkins spoons in larger sizes with single hooks can be thrown and retrieved through deeper strike zones at Boca for bigger fish. The top baits are an inflated ‘crawler, peeled crawdad tail, or “ Shasta Fly ” fished on a sliding sinker rig.
Boca also has decent Kokanee action on lead core line. Ford Fenders ahead of Kokanee King, Triple Teazer or Knobby Wobbler lures is the hot set-up. Add a kernel of white corn for extra insurance. All types of boating is permitted and there is a developed campground.
Prosser is primarily a trolling lake for rainbows and browns. It has 750 surface acres of water and there is a lOmph boat speed limit. The same offerings used at Lake Boca pretty much produce at Prosser. Troll plugs on the Highway 89 arm of this lake. Trade off, and use blades fished deep in the warmer months.
A Wooly Worm or a mylar streamer can also be effective at times on the slow troll. The area near the mouth of Prosser Creek is a consistent producer. Late summer deep trolling is good near the dam. There is a good launch ramp, campsites and a picnic area. Prosser Creek, above the lake, is a very good trout stream.
The main stream is accessible off Hwy. 89. The north and south forks (near this junction is good fishing) are reached via a Forest Service Road. Prosser Creek flows cold and clear, even in late summer. Small lures and nymph patterns on a light leader are excellent choices.
Stampede, at 3,500 acres, is recognized for its larger browns. Troll deep with plugs in the summer using lead core or a downrigger. The steep banks across the lake from the ramp are prime territory. Baits identical to those outlined for Boca can also be productive at Stampede.
There is also some decent action on kokes at Stampede. Lake regulars prefer lead core line and the Wedding Ring spinners as one of their top lures. There are excellent camping and lunching facilities at the south side of the lake. Prime spots include the Little Truckee inflow area and near the dam. Stream trout anglers often find the Little Truckee River to be a good producer.
Access is via Rte. 89 and Jackson Meadows Road, which both parallel the stream. Small spinners are effective. The Little Truckee runs above and below Stampede Reservoir.
All three of these lakes should be considered strong candidates for some cold fishing’ action, since ice fishing often can be very good here. For information on the area north of Lake Tahoe, contact the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, Box 361, Truckee, CA. 95734, (916)587-2757, and the Truckee Ranger District, Box 399, Truckee, CA. 95734, (916)587-3558.
High-elevation trout behavior at Boca, Prosser, and Stampede shifts with spring runoff. Anglers must track snowmelt timing as much as the calendar to predict fish activity.
Early May offers the most consistent feeding, though spawning Kokanee downstream can make this window brief. By mid-summer, the high alpine lakes stabilize, allowing trolling rigs to run deeper.
Mid-summer is when trout follow thermocline edges for hours of solid action. Late September through October brings rapid cooling, making night baiting and slow presentations effective before ice threatens.
Transition seasons demand a rotating tackle box for switching between deep trolling spoons and long-line spinners. Recording bite times helps forecast when Boca will respond to early morning power trolling versus Prosser’s midday fishing.
Snowmelt pulses deliver cold, oxygen-rich water to Boca, Prosser, and Stampede. These pulses create steep thermoclines that determine how deep trout will position themselves.
Understanding how quickly layers settle after storms helps anglers place rigs just above the thermocline transition. A sonar sweep early in the day reveals whether deep water is still below 50 degrees.
Prosser’s big browns lurk in these cold depths when the sun presses down on the alpine basin. Stampede’s larger footprint means the thermocline can shift laterally, requiring anglers to cover more water with sideplaners.
Boca’s smaller basin responds faster to heavy storms, concentrating trout near structural drop-offs. Watching temperature profiles relax after dark cues whether Kokanee will leave the surface.
Kokanee make both night and day moves in these alpine waters. Tracking their depth with lead core or downrigger is essential before committing to a fishing spread.
A 200-foot lead core becomes valuable when Kokanee hold 60 feet down. This long line keeps the lure in their path even when trolling near the upper thermocline.
Flasher-and-worm combinations produce steady visual and scent cues that lock Kokanee on. Rotating between chrome and pearl blades helps identify which hue the school prefers.
Late summer’s warming surface water pushes Kokanee deeper. Setting a slow-trolling planer board slightly tailing the boat avoids spooking the school.
Staggered release intervals on multiple rods maintain pressure and landing rhythm. This approach lets anglers land fish without scaring away the next wave of eager salmon.
Prosser Creek and the Little Truckee River feed Boca and Stampede. These technical trout streams complement the lake fishing perfectly.
Rocky runs hold bright rainbows in spring and browns in late summer. Wading light with a 4-weight rod and micro-leaders keeps presentations natural.
Nighttime shore fishing below Prosser Creek Reservoir yields chrome Kokanee migrating upstream. Small flashers and scented jigs reward anglers who work these productive zones.
The Little Truckee’s cold spring branches support dry-fly sighting opportunities. Frequent pocket water forces trout into predictable seams, making presentation critical.
These streams provide invaluable scouting data for lake trips. Note which flies work so the next lake outing starts with proven patterns.
When Stampede freezes solid, anglers can mark suspended trout with sonar through the ice. Cut holes every few rods to target those deeper positions.
Sturdy spud bars and fish-friendly augers handle uneven ice at Prosser. The 10mph trolling limit extends to access roads, keeping traffic controlled.
Boca’s smaller footprint allows quick relocation between holes. Set tip-ups on sheltered bays and jig near drop-offs, especially when trout feed mid-day.
Use short, razor-sharp hooks with smaller bait to avoid tearing thin winter mouths. Keep a hot beverage ready to minimize drift time between holes.
Wind-protected coves at each lake shelter trout from harsh alpine gusts. A spare battery bank keeps electronics running during long sessions.
Rigging a trolling spread demands balance between line angle and lure depth. Match your rod length to the targeted depth to avoid short strikes.
Pair light-action graphite rods with smooth drag reels for the best performance. Braid line lets you feel the drop and allows trout long runs without stalling.
For deep-water work, use 25-to-30-pound braid with a 12-to-15-foot leader. This setup gives you sensitivity to detect sluggish bites on Stampede’s deeper shelves.
Downriggers and Cannonballs keep presentations tight along the thermocline. These tools excel when trolling over Prosser’s drop-offs where trout cruise at depth.
Dress hooks with stinger patterns when targeting aggressive browns. Vary your flasher colors so each boat’s offering remains unique.
Keep a dedicated Kokanee rod ready with lighter line and sensitive tip. This allows quick switching from deep trolling to casting patterns without losing the school.
Planning a multi-lake trip or exploring more Sierra Nevada fishing? Check out these resources:
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