Jenkinson Lake: Your Ultimate Guide to Fishing & Fun

A Lakeside Playground for All Seasons

Jenkinson Lake, located just 13 miles east of Placerville off Highway 50, is a year-round destination that bursts with natural beauty. At 3,500 feet elevation, the lake is surrounded by the lush El Dorado National Forest, offering stunning views of pine trees, vibrant wildflowers, and serene waters that reflect the Sierra skies. Whether you visit in the summer for boating and swimming, spring for waterfalls, fall for colorful foliage, or winter for snowshoeing, Jenkinson Lake delivers endless opportunities for fun. Let’s explore the top activities that make this spot so special!

Hiking: Trails for Every Adventurer

Hiking around Jenkinson Lake is a treat for all skill levels, with the 8.5-mile Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail being the star of the show. This moderately challenging trail winds along the lake’s shoreline, offering shaded paths, gentle rolling hills, and breathtaking views of the water. Perfect for families, dog walkers (leashed pets only!), and mountain bikers, the trail is well-marked and ideal for soaking in the scenery. Along the way, you’ll spot kayakers gliding across the lake, fishermen casting lines, and serene picnic spots perfect for a break. For a shorter adventure, head to the Park Creek Waterfall Trail, a 2.7-mile out-and-back hike that leads to a 33-foot man-made waterfall fed by Camp Creek. This easy trail is especially magical in spring when the waterfall is in full flow, though note that it may slow or stop by mid-June due to operational needs. Pro tip: Check the Jenkinson Lake Streamflow Information page for current waterfall flow updates to plan your visit! For a quieter hike, explore the Fleming Meadow Trail System, just 7 miles away, offering scenic loops through the forest.

Hiking Tips:

Fees: $5 for walk-in use, $15 for vehicle day use. Parking: Save on fees by parking at the dam or Mormon Emigrant Trail for free access to trailheads. Gear: Bring sturdy shoes for uneven terrain and bug spray for summer hikes, as mosquitoes can be pesky in shaded areas.

Camping: Sleep Under the Stars

Camping at Jenkinson Lake is a dream come true for nature lovers. With over 190 campsites spread across nine campgrounds—Pinecone, Sierra, Chimney, Hilltop, Hazel, Rainbow, Kamloop, Dogwood, and Stonebraker—there’s a spot for everyone. Waterview sites in Pinecone, Sierra, and Chimney are perfect for those who want to wake up to lake views and easy beach access, while Hazel, Rainbow, and Dogwood offer a woodsy retreat away from the water. Family sites accommodate larger groups, and the Black Oak Equestrian Area caters to horse enthusiasts. Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, BBQ, and access to piped water and vault toilets. Reservations can be made up to 14 months in advance through the EID website, and carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking. For overflow camping or RV hookups, check out Sly Park Resort, just across from the park entrance, which also offers a general store, bar, and grill for added convenience.

Camping Highlights:

ADA Access: Hazel Creek (site #141) and Sierra (sites #70, #70A, #70C) offer accessible sites. Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and are not allowed in the water due to drinking water regulations. Fees: Camping fees cover the first vehicle (or two for family sites); additional vehicles incur extra charges.

Fishing: Reel in Your Next Big Catch

Jenkinson Lake is a fisherman’s dream, teeming with a variety of fish that make every cast exciting! The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, thanks to contributions from the El Dorado Irrigation District and donations collected at Sly Park Resort. You’ll also find largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, German brown trout, and bluegill swimming in these crystal waters. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the lake’s calm shores and deep waters offer plenty of opportunities to reel in a keeper.

Fish You Can Catch at Jenkinson Lake:

Rainbow Trout & Mackinaw Lake Trout: These feisty fish are a favorite, especially in spring and fall when they’re most active. They’re stocked regularly, ensuring a healthy population. Smallmouth, Spotted, & Largemouth Bass: Known for their fight, bass thrive in the lake’s rocky and weedy areas. Catch-and-release is encouraged to preserve their population, as they aren’t restocked. German Brown Trout: These elusive fish are trickier to catch but offer a rewarding challenge for experienced anglers. Like bass, they’re not restocked, so catch-and-release helps maintain their numbers. Bluegill: Perfect for young kids and beginners, these smaller fish are plentiful near the shore and love simple baits. Perfect for adults too, makes a great pan fry meal.

How to Catch Them:

Bait: Live bait works wonders here. Try minnows, nightcrawlers, or salmon eggs for trout. PowerBait in chartreuse or garlic flavors is a go-to for rainbow trout, while worms or small jigs tempt bluegill. For bass, use plastic worms, crawfish imitations, or spinnerbaits. Lures: Kastmasters, Rooster Tails, and Mepps spinners in silver or gold are excellent for trout and bass. For German browns, try deeper-diving crankbaits or Rapalas in natural colors to mimic their prey. Techniques: Trolling near the dam is a local favorite for trout, using a slow speed with a flasher or dodger to attract bites. Shore anglers can cast from rocky points or near submerged structures for bass. For bluegill, fish close to the shore with a bobber and small hook. Early mornings or late evenings are prime times, as fish are more active in cooler temperatures.

Where to Fish:

Near the Dam: This deep-water area is a hotspot for trout and bass, especially for trollers. Shore anglers can cast from the dam’s rocky edges for great results. Marina Area: The waters near the marina are ideal for bluegill and trout, with easy access for shore fishing. Try the docks or nearby coves for a quick catch. Northeast Shoreline: Along the Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail, the northeast side near Hazel Creek offers quiet spots with submerged logs and weeds, perfect for bass and bluegill. Boat Fishing: Rent a boat or bring your own to reach deeper waters in the lake’s center, where German browns and larger trout often lurk. Focus on areas near drop-offs or underwater structures.

Fishing Tips:

Licenses: A valid California fishing license is required and can be purchased at the CVS on Sly Park Road or online. Kids under 16 fish free! Regulations: Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for bag limits (typically 5 trout, 5 bass, or 25 bluegill per day). Mercury advisories may apply, so review guidelines from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment before consuming fish. Bragging Rights: Share your catch at Sly Park Resort for a chance to be featured as the “Big Fish of the Month” on their board! Gear: Use 4–6 lb. test line for trout and bluegill, and 8–12 lb. for bass. Bring a net for larger fish and polarized sunglasses to spot fish in clear water. The lake’s fishing community is vibrant, and donations at Sly Park Resort help keep the trout population thriving. Whether you’re casting from the shore, trolling from a boat, or teaching your kids to fish, Jenkinson Lake’s diverse fish and scenic backdrop make every trip a reel adventure!

Lake Trout Mackinaw Fishing at Jenkinson Lake

Jenkinson Lake sits at 3,500 feet in elevation, which makes it the lowest lake in the Sierra Mountains to get your chance at catching a nice trophy lake trout. Lake Trout can get up to 20 pounds or more, which is why it is a highly sought after trophy fish to target. You can usually find mackinaw near the dam, or between the two islands across from the boat launch. You can catch these Lake Trout, also known as Mackinaw, or Lakers, top lining the regular trout gear like spoons, or flatfish. Tipping the lure hook with a worm or a minnow will help to entice them to strike. Read your local Regulations before using any live bait. In the fall months, and into the late spring months, Mackinaw will bite in the top of the water column. Top lining a Rapala f-18 or an AC plug will produce fish this time of year but later in the summer months you will need to get down deep for the fish. Trolling with a downrigger in deep water with a dodger or J plug, or jigging in deep water with a Gibbs minnow, and last but not least bouncing an 8 ounce lead weight off the bottom with a lure or minnow trailing behind will get you into some good action.

Bass Fishing on Jenkinson Lake

Thought trout are the most sought after fish at Jenkinson Lake, the Bass fishery is also strong and offer some great chances to hook into one of these great fighting lunkers. One of the best bets to try your luck at some bass fishing are to use some soft bait lures, rubber worms, and topwater hard bait lures, or some stickbaits. You can also do quite well with crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. A great place to target the Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass is the creek channel leading into Hazel creek. In early spring, the bass will move from the main body of the lake up into the creek channel to spawn. Another great spot is up in the five mile per hour zone referred to as the chimneys. The name comes from some old stone houses that are deep below the water, and the chimneys poke up out of the water. Several yards from the chimneys there is a large flat area with a nice drop off along the edge.

Rainbow Trout Fishing on Jenkinson Lake

Trolling for Rainbow Trout with a small silver dodger, or some small blades, in varying patterns with a matched up lure with some shine will get you into some rainbow trout. You can also use Kastmaster’s, needlefish, wedding ring’s tipped with a minnow or a worm, spoons, small apex, small stickbaits that are silver or rainbow trout pattern, small flatfish. The best place to troll is from 15 ft to 100 ft off the shoreline. Troll in a long S pattern so that your lure motion will change as you move through the long S patterns. The top lure for Rainbow Trout Fishing in our experience are the Trout Mini Jigs. Check them out!

Brown Trout Fishing on Jenkinson Lake

You can target Brown Trout near the shoreline using a medium to large stickbait tied on with a Rapala knot to allow more action of the lure, instead of using a swivel. Rapala f-13 and f-18 work the best. The best pattern to use is rainbow trout, plain silver, or brown trout. You can also flip some stickbaits up into shore. I like to take a red medium tip permanent marker and draw some red marks on the gills and spots on the body to customize the lure a little to entice more strikes. You should troll in five to fifteen feet of water, between 5 ft to 40 ft off of the shoreline. You can catch them in the depths as well, but the best fishing is ripping the shore line. Keep your rod in your hand and rip the line back a few times now and then to change up the motion of the lure. When you spot a big brown suspended off the bottom, troll through that area back and forth in all directions until you trigger an aggressive strike. In early fall and late spring you want to run fast trolling speeds with stick baits at about 3 to 4.5 mph. As the water starts to get cold later in the year you need to slow it down a touch. You should run your stick bait right on the bottom, within a foot or two off the bottom. You should work rocky points and areas with mostly rocky bottoms. Brown Trout like having cover to hide in. Another good technique to catch Brown Trout on Jenkinson Lake by top lining, also known as long lining, by getting your stickbait at least 100 ft. behind the boat. 200ft. even better. Keep it ripping too. Don't let your stick bait drag behind the boat lifelessly. Jerking and ripping makes a stick bait dart around and go crazy back there and that's what those Browns love.

Bluegill Fishing on Jenkinson Lake

Bluegill are fun to target catch on Jenkinson Lake. When you find a school of bluegill you can get into a burst of action cast after cast. They like slow moving sections of water in creeks, and shallow areas on lakes. They bite just about anything you throw at them, and are fun to catch. You can use small worms, crickets, and grasshoppers (live or fake). They have small mouths, so you want to use smaller baits with smaller hooks. You can also use small jigs and small plastics to entice them to bite.

Boating: Cruise the Crystal Waters

Boating at Jenkinson Lake is a highlight, with activities ranging from water skiing and wakeboarding to kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. The lake features two concrete boat ramps and a small marina where you can rent non-motorized boats and paddleboards through Current Adventures Sly Park Paddle Rentals (available Friday-Sunday, Memorial Day to Labor Day). Boating regulations ensure safety, with a 5 mph speed limit near swimming areas, docks, and the shoreline, and a maximum speed of 35 mph in open waters. Boats must travel counterclockwise and pass noise level tests to protect the serene environment. To keep the lake pristine, all boats are inspected for quagga mussels, and personal watercraft like jet skis are not allowed. The lake has a daily boating capacity, so arrive early during peak summer weekends to secure your spot. Annual boat passes are available for frequent visitors and can be used at other EID-managed lakes like Caples and Silver.

Boating Fun Facts:

Water Temperature: Summer temps range from 64°F to 71°F, perfect for a refreshing dip after boating. Rentals: Book paddleboards or kayaks online through Current Adventures for a hassle-free experience. Restrictions: New boat launching rules start April 21, 2025—check the EID website for details.

Swimming: Splash into Summer

Swimming in Jenkinson Lake’s clear, warm waters is a summer must-do. Designated swimming areas near Pinecone, Sierra, and Chimney campgrounds offer safe spots to cool off, with water temperatures reaching a comfortable 68–71°F in peak season. The lake’s gentle shores are ideal for families, though note that the muddy bottom may not suit everyone. Due to its status as a drinking water reservoir, pets and diapers are strictly prohibited in the water to maintain water quality. For a quieter swim, head to the serene spot about 3 miles into the Jenkinson Lake Loop Trail, where you can relax by the water’s edge. Always swim in designated areas and follow posted safety guidelines to ensure a fun and safe experience.

Swimming Tips:

Safety: Stay within 200 feet of designated swimming zones to avoid boat traffic. Gear: Bring water shoes to navigate the muddy shores comfortably. Crowds: Visit early in the day or during weekdays for a more peaceful swim.

Beyond the Lake: More Adventures Await

Jenkinson Lake is just the beginning of the fun in Pollock Pines. The surrounding El Dorado National Forest offers additional trails, like the Fleming Meadow Trail System for hiking and mountain biking, or the Mormon Emigrant Trail for off-roading adventures. Nearby, Bassi Falls and Ice House Reservoir provide stunning day- trip destinations, while Apple Hill, just 40 miles away, is perfect for picking fresh fruit and savoring pies at Boa Vista Orchards. For a unique experience, join the annual “Run on the Sly” event, a community favorite that combines trail running with lake views. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing when snow blankets the area, transforming the lake into a winter wonderland.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Getting There: Take Highway 50 to the Sly Park Road exit (exit #60) and head south for 3 miles. The main entrance is across from Sly Park Resort. Fees: Day-use fees are $15 per vehicle or $5 for walk-ins. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors. Amenities: Sly Park Resort’s General Store offers snacks, fishing supplies, and a cozy bar and grill. A Safeway is 4.5 miles away in Pollock Pines. Weather: Summer highs reach the mid-90s, while winter lows dip into the 20s. Check smoke forecasts during wildfire season. Reservations: Book campsites and check boating rules at www.eid.org.

Why Jenkinson Lake Shines

Jenkinson Lake isn’t just a destination—it’s a place to make memories. Whether you’re hiking to the Park Creek Waterfall, casting a line for a trophy trout, paddling across mirror-like waters, or roasting marshmallows at a lakeside campsite, the lake’s charm and versatility make it a standout spot in California’s Sierra foothills. Voted “Best Recreation Facility” by the Mountain Democrat year after year, Jenkinson Lake is a place where families, adventurers, and nature lovers come together to celebrate the great outdoors. So pack your sunscreen, grab your fishing rod, and head to Jenkinson Lake for a day (or weekend!) of fun in the sun. With its endless activities and breathtaking scenery, this Pollock Pines treasure is waiting to welcome you with open arms. Happy adventuring!

Jenkinson Lake Boat Launch Ramps

Jenkinson Lake has two launch ramps, in different parts of the lake. The first one starts at the marina, and it has a nice wide ramp, with improved trailer parking. This part of the lake is mainly used for water skiing, wake boarding, and tubing. It has a nice wide area to go fast in and enjoy. The second part of the lake is called The Narrows. It is a half mile of 5 miles per hour zone that is best used for drifting, swimming and enjoying a quiet picnic on the boat with your friends and family. This area has the ramp known as the Stone Breaker ramp. The ramp is long, but narrow, and has plenty of parking. This ramp is great for small fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes.

Jenkinson Lake Kayak and Canoe Boat Rentals

During the summer season, there is a small boat rental dock near this ramp where you can rent a Kayak or Paddle Boat. As of 2023, the pricing for a single person Kayak rental is $100 per day, a tandem two person kayak is $125, and a two person canoe rental (can have an additional child under 10, or medium sized dog) is $125. They also have stand up paddle boards for $100 per day. These prices are for the full day rental. They also have hourly rentals available.

Jenkinson Lake Map

The map below is provided by El Dorado Irrigation District. Click on the map to open their full size map on their website.

Jenkinson Lake Camping and Lodging

Sly Park Recreation Area SPRA has camping sites for tents, RV’s, trailers, and motorhomes. They also have large family sites, and horse family equestrian camp sites as well. You can view their campsites and make reservations on their website.

RV and Trailer Rentals at Jenkinson Lake

Talk about convenience, these are perfect for a small or large family. Upgrade your camping convenience, comfort, and style, by renting an RV from RVshare for your ultimate family fishing adventure at Jenkinson Lake. Make this a trip an adventure to remember and go camping in style.

Fishing Guides and Charter Boats

There are many different fishing guides that offer guided fishing trips on Jenkinson Lake. Fishing Booker is a service of local guides that you can choose from and schedule your next guided fishing trip. Book a Jenkinson Lake Fishing Guide today on Fishing Booker to catch some quality fish and learn about this excellent fishery. Shop for fishing tackle in our Fishing Gear and Tackle store that would be perfect for catching more fish.

Cottages and Vacation Home Rentals

Looking for place to stay on Jenkinson Lake, or any destination you wish to go? Expedia has vacation homes, hotels, motels, cabins, and cottages for many locations that would be great for your next family vacation, all at really great prices. Start your adventures today. About The Author Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Mendenhall Outdoors. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase. The Best Jenkinson Lake Fishing Experience Awaits!