French Meadows Reservoir (North)

The French Meadows Reservoir offers a scenic and accessible spot for kayakers, canoeists, and small boat enthusiasts. The reservoir's north boat ramp, located adjacent to the French Meadows campground, provides easy water access. This is a popular destination for boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.

The reservoir is situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is part of the Middle Fork American River watershed. While the reservoir is generally open year-round, seasonal factors like snowpack can impact access - the road around the reservoir may not be plowed during winter months. Visitors should check conditions before planning a trip.

Nearby campgrounds like Ahart, Airport Flat, and Big Meadows provide options for overnight stays. The reservoir and surrounding area also offer hiking, biking, and other recreational opportunities. Paddlers and boaters should exercise caution on the water and be prepared for varying weather and water conditions.

4/27/2018: Mosquito Ridge Road is plowed to French Meadows but the road around the reservoir is not plowed. You are not able to reach the boat ramp or the campgrounds at this time. A CDF&W target fishery for hatchery catchables.  Good boat launching facilities and campgrounds.  5,000 lbs of catchable rainbow trout were planted in 2014.  25,000 Eagle Lake trout fingerlings have also been...

4/27/2018: Mosquito Ridge Road is plowed to French Meadows but the road around the reservoir is not plowed. You are not able to reach the boat ramp or the campgrounds at this time. A CDF&W target fishery for hatchery catchables.  Good boat launching facilities and campgrounds.  5,000 lbs of catchable rainbow trout were planted in 2014.  25,000 Eagle Lake trout fingerlings have also been stocked historically.  Large rainbow and brown trout can be found in the lake and in the river above and below the dam.  The area around the lake is a State Game Refuge and no firearms are permitted.  Be aware that many areas around the reservoir and into Duncan Canyon burned in the 2001 Star Fire.  Use caution in burned areas due to safety hazards from dead trees.  

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