Bowman Lake
...poor access roads beyond the dam.
DESCRIPTION:
This is a rugged, rocky basin with poor access roads beyond the dam.
Normal capacity 68,500 AF.
Elevation: 5558’. Season: Late May through October. Lake is drawn down by late summer.
DIRECTIONS:
To Bowman Lake
On Highway 20, about 23 miles east of Nevada City and 4.6 miles west of the I-80/Highway 20 intersection, take Bowman Road north. Drive about 16 miles to the lake. (All but the last 4 miles are paved.)
See Grouse Ridge Map.
ACTIVITIES:
Fishing (Rating: Best)
Planted rainbows and browns with some large resident browns. Boat fishing and trolling are best but fishing the shallower, east end from shore is a good bet.
Boating Lakes & Reservoirs (Rating: Good)
Small boats only with a 10-mph speed limit. Although there is a boat ramp at the upper end (north shore) of the lake, roads getting there are very poor. The roads from the east by Jackson Meadows Reservoir are somewhat better, but fishing boat trailers would be my limit.
Camping (Rating: Good)
Bowman Lake Campground: 7 sites, fire rings, bring drinking water or purify lake or stream water. Free.
See Grouse Lakes Area for other nearby camprounds. Links listed below for Nearby Locations.
