Faucherie Lake
Reservations are often set a year ahead.
DESCRIPTION:
The Nevada Irrigation District reservoir rests serenely in rugged, rocky basin where the scenery is usually better than the fishing. And some days the fishing can be excellent.
Faucherie Lake is my favorite lake in the area. To the very end of the Bowman Lake and Faucherie Lake roads it’s a long drive; so, if you can, make it a long stay or at least 2-3 days. But if you plan to camp at Faucherie Lake plan ahead. Reservations are often set a year ahead.
Small lake; elevation: 6160’.
DIRECTIONS:
To Faucherie Lake
At the Bowman Lake Dam the road continues along the lake’s north shore but becomes a primitive road not recommended for low-clearance vehicles. If you want to access the area above Bowman Lake with small trailers/RVs or low-clearance vehicles, roads from the east via Jackson Meadow Reservoir are somewhat better but still delightfully remote (see East Slope and Grouse Ridge Maps).
To get to Jackson Meadows Reservoir: From Truckee, take Highway 89 north for 17 miles. Turn right (west) off Highway 89 at Little Donner Summit. Follow Jackson Lake Road (#S07) for 16 miles.
The road to Faucherie Lake continues southeast from Jackson Creek Campground, but is not recommended for low clearance vehicles. Fording the creek above the campground is not advisable for anyone during high water.
Drive 3.7 miles south on rough road from Jackson Creek Campground.
ACTIVITIES:
Camping (Rating: Best)
Group camp for twenty-five persons or less, fees. Remote or not, this beautiful site is one of the most popular opportunities available. Reservations required: 1-877-444-6777. Summer months often booked for one year ahead. The earlier into the season the better.
Fishing (Rating: Good)
Stocked with Rainbow, Kamloops Junction strain, and Brown trout.
Boating Lakes & Reservoirs (Rating: Good)
If you can find a day with calm winds, both flatwater paddling and fishing pick up. For anything larger than a car-top craft, the boat launch is steep, with loose rolling, native-materials, but useable. 4WD is handy when pulling a loaded trailer out the steep slope.
Flat water paddling is usually good when the water levels are up. The lake is small and a long drive for just a paddling trip, but the scenery and paddling to the far shore for primitive camping is well worth the drive.
