LAKE LIFE · CALIFORNIA’S BEST-KEPT SECRET
Bullards Bar Reservoir
Tucked between the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests — emerald-green water, 60+ miles of quiet shoreline, world-record spotted bass and glass-smooth mornings. This is where getting away from it all actually happens.
Current Bullards Bar Water Level & Conditions
Bullards Bar is one of the deepest reservoirs in Northern California, so there is plenty of deep, open water for houseboating, fishing and watersports all season long, with easy access from the marina docks and boat ramp. Levels do shift through the year with snowmelt, inflow and dam operations, so before you head up, check our Lake Conditions page for live lake elevation, storage and weather. Whether you’re planning to anchor in a secluded cove, fish the deep rocky points, or wakeboard from dawn to dusk, you’ll find the conditions here hard to beat.
Water Sports & The Marina Store
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.
Bullards Bar Fishing Report & Guide
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.
Winter Fishing · Nov – Apr
Fish & Stay Aboard the Opal
Chase the world-record spotted bass and sleep steps from your boat. The Opal stays docked on shore power all winter — hotel-style nightly stays with a slip for your fishing boat, hot tub, fireplace and Starlink WiFi. Sleeps 14, from $695 a night.
CAMPING AT BULLARDS BAR
Seven Campgrounds Ring the Lake
Lakeside tent sites, RV loops, a group camp and boat-in coves you can only reach by water — all managed by the Forest Service and reserved through Recreation.gov, Apr 15 – Oct 15. Our camping page has every campground on one map with sites, fees and the exact booking link for each.
Reserve a site
Links open each campground’s Recreation.gov reservation page. Camping questions: Recreation.gov 877-444-6777 · Yuba River Ranger District (530) 288-3231.
Bullards Bar Trails & Dark Day Use Area
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.
