Frenchman Lake
- Type
- Mountain reservoir
- Elevation
- 5,588 ft
- Shoreline
- 21 miles
- Boat ramps
- Two two-lane ramps
- Boat launch
- Fishing
- Camping
About this lake
Frenchman Lake is a State Water Project reservoir with 21 miles of shoreline at about 5,588 feet, 26 miles from Portola and 38 miles northwest of Reno. The Forest Service runs the campgrounds and launch.
On the water
The lake has two two-lane boat ramps, and water skiing is allowed. The main Frenchman Boat Launch on the south shore has a two-lane concrete ramp and is open 24 hours in season.
Fishing and camping
Rainbow trout are the main catch. Five campgrounds sit around the lake.
Getting there & access
Getting there
Frenchman Lake is 26 miles from Portola and 38 miles northwest of Reno.
Launch season
The Frenchman Boat Launch is open 24 hours in season and closes for the year on October 11, 2026. The Lunker ramp stays open without a dock.
Fees
Launching costs $10 per day or $85 for the season.
- Launch fee
- $10 per day or $85 per season
- Water skiing
- Allowed
- Forest Service phone
- 530-836-2575
What's here
Launch
Two two-lane boat ramps, including a concrete ramp at the Frenchman Boat Launch
Camping
Five campgrounds around the lake
Fishing
Rainbow trout
Water skiing
Water skiing allowed
Rules & official resources
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025dbw.parks.ca.gov ↗
- Launch fee $10 per day or $85 per season at the Frenchman Boat Launchfs.usda.gov ↗
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