Silver Lake - Kirkwood, CA

Lake Information

Fish Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Silver Lake, tucked away near Kirkwood, California, is a real gem for those looking to fish in a peaceful, high-mountain setting. Sitting at an elevation of 7,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada, this lake is a favorite spot from late spring through fall. With its cool, crisp air and stunning views, it’s the perfect place to kick back and cast a line.

The lake is stocked regularly with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, some of which grow nice and hefty—up to 8 or 9 pounds! Folks have good luck fishing with PowerBait, worms, or lures like Rapalas, especially in the early morning or just before dusk when the fish are biting best. Whether you prefer fishing from a boat or from the shore, there’s plenty of good spots to settle in. Just be careful of the lake’s rocky bottom if you’re out in a boat—best to bring a depth finder along.

Shore fishing can be fun too, especially near the parking area or on the far side of the lake. The weather's usually pretty mild, with nice cool evenings and daytime highs around 60°F, making it a comfortable place to fish or camp.

So, whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking to spend a relaxing day by the water, Silver Lake is a great spot to reel in some trout and enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Nevada.



Latest Photos

3 lbs.
5-10-2025
10 lbs. 13 oz.
Doug Busey and a 10.8 mackinaw from Silver lake up above Kirkwood.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Doug Busey
Doug Busey
6-28-2019

Silver Lake Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Mackinaw Trout 10 lbs. 13 oz. 6-28-2019 View Report
Rainbow Trout 3 lbs. 5-10-2025 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
6-23-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
5-05-2025Rainbow TroutCDFW 
8-25-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 
7-14-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 
7-01-2024Rainbow TroutCDFW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
7-3-2025 Silver Lake Report
The fishing has been slow with a few... more »
Doug Busey
5-29-2025 The launch is open and the fishing is picking up
The launch is open and the fishing is... more »
Doug Busey
5-15-2025 The lake has thawed, but the ramp was still closed as of this week
Located above Kirkwood off highway 88. The lake... more »
Doug Busey
5-10-2025 Another nice one out of Silver Lake
Another nice one out of Silver lake 3# ... more »
Jeremy Ross
5-1-2025 The ice is thinning and has open water
The ice is thinning and has open water... more »
Doug Busey

Detailed Map