Topaz Lake

Lake Alpine reservoir straddling Nevada–California border

Topaz Lake straddles the Nevada-California border and serves as a recreational reservoir for trout fishing, boating and lakeside camping along US Highway 395.

Main image

Topaz Lake is a man-made reservoir on the California-Nevada border in the high valley along U.S. Route 395. The lake is a popular local spot for fishing and small-boat recreation and lies in the Antelope Valley region near the small communities that take their name from the lake. Facilities are oriented toward day-use outdoor activities and angling.

  • Recreation: Largely used for recreational fishing and boating, with populations of trout stocked for angling.
Topaz Lake
Topaz Lake, Nevada/California border, United States
38.6774, -119.5317

How to Get to Topaz Lake #

Topaz Lake sits off US Route 395 near the California-Nevada border, approximately 40-50 minutes north of Carson City, Nevada. Access is by car; there are small campgrounds and boat ramps on the Nevada side of the lake.

Tips for Visiting Topaz Lake #

  • If fishing or boating, be mindful of water levels and local regulations-Topaz Lake straddles the Nevada-California border and rules vary.
  • Bring wind protection-the lake sits in a basin that can funnel strong gusts.
  • Sunrise and sunset are spectacular here; plan photography sessions outside mid‑day for better light.

Best Time to Visit Topaz Lake #

Late spring through early autumn is best for boating and fishing; winter is cold and quiet.

Summer
June-August · 15-30 °C
Warm weather and recreation season; boating and fishing are popular.
Spring-Autumn
April-May, September-October · 5-20 °C
More comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Winter
December-February · -5-8 °C
Cold and often snowy; much of the recreational season is over.

Weather & Climate near Topaz Lake #

Climate

Topaz Lake's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -7°C. The wettest month with 41 mm of rain.

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 13°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 17°

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
27°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
10° 32°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 12 mm.

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
10° 31°

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 27°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
27°

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4° 13°

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of 7°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm

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