French Lake

...tough access dissuades most anglers.

   

DESCRIPTION:

Spectacular basin, awesomely rugged. The highest of the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) reservoirs in the basin, this large, deep reservoir is noted for good fishing but the tough access dissuades most anglers.

Hiking access requires a Cross-country scramble of 1.7 miles, challenging, elevations: 7500’-6680’, 1½ hours. Topographic Map: Grouse Ridge or U.S.G.S. English Mt. Adventuresome hikers can follow remnants of an old jeep road down to the south end of French Lake. The abandoned, washed out road takes off to the left (west) 0.8 miles via the Old Meadow Lake Road above Summit City, but is not signed. Remember, it’s all uphill coming out. Take a Topographic map and figure on some cross-country scrambling.

DIRECTIONS:

To French Lake

See East Slope Map. Seventeen miles north of Truckee via Highway 89 turn left (west) on Jackson Lake Road #07. (Sometimes referred to as the historic Henness Pass Road which it parallels.) Travel 11 miles (just above private Webber Lake) to the Meadow Lake Road (#86). Turn south (left) on the gravel road and follow for 9.5 miles to lake.

The Meadow Lake Road becomes rocky and narrow once it crosses over the Sierra Crest and continues west to Meadow Lake. High clearance vehicles are best on this stretch to Meadow Lake. Then the road really gets rough. 4WD are recommended.

Following the gated 4WD road, which is not mapped and used only for NID (Nevada Irrigation District) purposes, provides non-motorized and mountain bike access leading down to the dam from the Old Meadow Lake Road. See Meadow Lake directions. Turn left on the un-named road a short distance north of Tollhouse Lake on the Old Meadow Lake Road.

ACTIVITIES:

Fishing (Rating: Good)

French Lake was planted to both rainbows and the Kamloops Junction strain through 2000. The fish are there, and you'll probably have the place to yourself.

Tollhouse Lake is managed for both Brookies and Rainbow, last planted in 2000.

Weil Lake is a short, rugged cross-country hike to the northwest of the dam on French Lake. Other than the long, slow trip driving and hiking into French Lake this is still the easiest way to get into Weil Lake. You can also climb up Canyon Creek above Faucherie Lake for an alternative way to get to Weil Lake. The climb is steep at times and very rugged and rocky. No trail.

Boating Lakes & Reservoirs (Rating: Poor)

None except for floatables carried in. There is no vehicle access either.

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