California’s Best-Kept Secret
Bullards Bar Reservoir
Tucked in between Tahoe and Plumas National Forests, Bullards Bar Reservoir offers an escape from the ordinary. Famous for its stunning emerald-green waters and quiet, uncrowded coves, this is where “getting away from it all” actually happens. Whether you’re chasing world-class fish, carving up glass-smooth water, or just floating in the sun, life really is better at the lake.
Carve the Emerald Glass
Bullards Bar is legendary among water sports enthusiasts for one reason: the water. Protected by steep canyon walls, the lake often stays glass-smooth all day long, creating perfect conditions for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing. With warm surface temperatures in the summer and plenty of deep, open water, it’s the perfect place to drop the throttle and make some waves.
Pro Tip: Early mornings offer the most pristine riding conditions of the day.
World-Class Angling
Anglers flock to Bullards Bar for the chance to hook into some of the best fishing in the state. The reservoir is renowned for its trophy-sized Spotted Bass and healthy population of Kokanee Salmon. Whether you’re trolling deep or casting into the rocky shorelines, the clear waters provide an exciting challenge for novice fishermen and seasoned pros alike.
Target Species: Kokanee Salmon, Spotted Bass, Rainbow Trout.
Bass fishing at Bullards Bar is some of the area’s best. Spotted Bass can be found early in the season near the mouth of creeks and rocky points. Spinnerbaits and weighted plastic worms work best. Try grubs and jigs later in the year. Topwater baits are effective early in the morning or during twilight. Bass are also found in shallow areas during spawning season.
Crappie and Bluegill
Crappie and Bluegill are usually found in 10 to 20 feet of water in coves and around submerged brush and debris. Try white or yellow mini jigs, bread, or worms.
Don’t forget to stop by the Emerald Cove General Store for your fishing tackle and bait needs.
Adventures Beyond the Shoreline
The beauty of Bullards Bar extends well beyond the water’s edge. A network of trails winds through the surrounding Tahoe National Forest, offering hikers and mountain bikers spectacular panoramic views of the reservoir and the dam. Park the boat, lace up your boots, and explore the scent of pine and the sound of silence.
Don’t Miss: The Bullards Bar Trail for varied terrain and incredible photo ops.
Bullards Bar Trail
14.0 Miles – This trail offers an easy, fairly level, and scenic route along the contour of the reservoir up to Old Camptonville Road. Parking is found at the Vista Point day use area.
8 Ball Trail
3.8 Miles – This trail is an alternative to walking or riding on Marysville Road. It connects Rebel Ridge, 7 Ball and Schoolhouse Trails to make several loop routes possible with Bullards Bar Trail. 8 Ball winds its way through dense forest and open scrub brush areas following the route of Marysville Road.
Schoolhouse Trail
0.7 Miles This trail can be found near campsite #13 within the Schoolhouse Campground. A 250’ rapid descent to Bullards Bar Trail along an old heavily shaded road bed. Parking is at the Schoolhouse Campground.
7 Ball Trail
1.0 Miles – This trail descends 400’ at a moderate to rapid rate leading to Bullards Bar Trail. The trailheads are found by taking a paved road that intersects Marysville Road 1.5 and 1.9 Miles from Hwy 49.
Rebel Ridge Trail
1.6 Miles – This is a beautiful, moderate hike or ride down to Bullards Bar Trail. The trail descends 500’ through the lush conifer forest. Parking is about .6 miles from the intersection of Hwy 49 and Marysville Road.
Dark Day Day Use & Picnic Area
Dark Day offers 14 day use picnic sites, easy access to parking, restrooms, and boat launch facility. No overnight camping in the day use area.
