Topaz Lake

Located about 45 minutes south of Minden and Gardnerville along Highway 395 against the spectacularly scenic eastern Sierra Nevada mountain range, discover the recreationalist’s paradise that is Topaz Lake. Originally created in the 1920s, thanks to diverting the waters of the West Walker River, Topaz Lake now boasts some of the region’s most premiere boating, fishing, camping, wildlife viewing, and even some casual gaming and nightlife action, promising something for every visitor.

Topaz Lake is 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, providing just the right amount of space for visitors and locals alike to bask in serene waters, as well as hiking and wildlife viewing along its tree-dotted shores that back up to dramatic high desert landscapes.

Topaz Lake Camping

While most of Topaz Lake’s western shore is lined with private property, visitors will find public recreation access on the north and eastern edge of Topaz Lake with a self-pay kiosk that allows you to quickly check in and set up for the night. Stop by for day use, or settle into 15 reservable campsites with full hookups and dump stations, with pull-through spaces large enough for most RVs and travel trailers. Car and tent campers will find an additional 26 developed campsites (and even more primitive campgrounds in the high-desert terrain surrounding the lake), with access to flush restrooms, showers, picnic tables, a playground, and fish cleaning station.

If you’re ready to try your luck during an evening of exciting entertainment, the Topaz Lodge casino on the lake’s west shore is just the ticket, offering 175 slot machines, an assortment of table games, as well as keno and bingo. The lodge boasts beautiful panoramic views from many of its 120 comfortably appointed rooms and great restaurants—perfect ways to refuel after a day on the lake.

Topaz Lake Fishing and Recreation

Ready to hit the water? Topaz Lake offers excellent shore fishing, boating, and kayaking, with boat launch access found near the campsites at the Topaz Marina. It’s one of the region’s best small and largemouth bass fishing destinations, and the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) seasonally stocks Topaz Lake with a variety of trout, including rainbow trout, bowcutt trout, brown trout, and sometimes tiger trout. The lake’s maximum depth is 92 feet, so boaters have the best success using a depth finder, while shore fishermen can reel in sizable catches with rubber worms, jigs, and crankbaits—all for sale at the Topaz Marina. See the latest fishing report for Topaz Lake from the Nevada Department of Wildlife here. 

In addition to the phenomenal fishing, Topaz Lake offers water lovers a host of other action-packed water activities. Boaters, water skiers, and jet skiers are familiar sights on the lake and typically courteous enough to steer clear of those at Topaz strictly for the fish. Both California and Nevada fishing licenses are honored anywhere on the lake. Nevada fishing licenses can be purchased at the lodge and on-property convenience store.