Getting There

To reach Round Lake in El Dorado County (Tahoe Rim Trail), drive to the Big Meadow Tahoe Rim trailhead by taking Highway 89 towards Luther Pass. The trailhead parking lot is situated roughly 60 yards uphill from the actual trailhead. So park and walk down 89 until you see the sign on the lefthand side of the road. The parking can be sparse on weekends and holidays due to the trailhead being very popular.

The Hike

The hike to Round Lake is a moderate trek with a quick uphill, switchbacked section at the start. Once you have zigzagged up the intitial hill, you will be rewarded with some easy hiking through the flats of Big Meadow. Check out the plentiful Brook Trout in the stream while crossing the wooden bridge. Once you are through Big Meadow the ascents begin again and intensify until you reach the top of the hill. This section can be tiresome but it's worth it as you will be rewarded again with easy downhill trekking as you reach the next valley. Another mile of hiking brings you to the north side of Round Lake. We continued on around the west side, across the outlet creek, below a primitive rock dam, toward the south side where there are excellent campsites that are close to the water.'

The Fishing

We fished Round Lake hard for two days from the peninsula that was near our campsite. We did not raise any bites using all types of flies and hardware. A few fish were jumping but they weren't interested in our offerings. Paul had luck a few weeks before fishing near the inlet but our outing this time proved to be frustrating. I remember fishing Round Lake from the south and east side in the early 2000's but I had bad luck then as well - no bites. If I had more time I would have liked to work my way around the west shore looking for the honey hole that I am sure exists somewhere. All in all, the campsites were great and we a good time enjoying the camping and day hiking to the Upper Truckee River where we caught many Cutthroat Trout. Round Lake makes a good base camp to explore the Upper Truckee with your fly rod; stalking small Cutts through the brush.

*Please Note*
Camp fires are no longer allowed in Meiss Country.