Any info on Loon Lake on Icehouse Rd?

Planning a boat-in camping trip this weekend with some friends and was wondering where's the best place to park and launch.

I've read somewhere that you can just park to the left of the lake near the Rubicon trail entrance and launch from there or is it better to launch at the boat dock itself? Is it safe to leave your car near the Rubicon trail entrance overnight? I've heard there's lots of rowdy crowds around that area, so Kind of worried.

As for fishing.. besides trout, are there bass or catfish in that lake so I know what gear to pack?

I've been to Utica and the fishing there isn't that great so any info on Loon lake would be awesome!

Thanks!

Here's some info! http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=47988
Beautiful area. Fishing is ok...not great, but ok. I say that because it's mostly planter rainbows with a few holdovers & brown trout. No bass or catfish, etc.
If you're doing the boat-in thing, I'd say it looks safe to leave your truck in the big flat prkng lot by the SW dam. But that w/b a long paddle to the other side of the lake. In which case, I'd park near the main dam on the W side (that's where the Rubicon trail begins).

loon can get super super windy.
also if your on a powerboat be careful of rocks just below the surface

Here's something very few people know about Loon.
Click on the pictures....super cool.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/trailreports/loon_powerstation/

Here's something very few people know about Loon.
Click on the pictures....super cool.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/trailreports/loon_powerstation/

I worked down there for years.  Some projects I'd go down every day for weeks.  When the lift breaks, it's a long walk up those stairs!  I've done that a few times. 

Thanks guys for the suggestions and links! Pretty cool about the hydroelectric facility down below.

Now got to head to Walmart for trout gear. Can't wait!

You can also park at the wilderness trailhead, its probably the safest spot and pretty close to the boat in sites. I think there is a beach near the lot but I know its close to the boat ramp too.

Also the fishing is much better if you are willing to hike a couple miles east of the boat in sites to buck island or rock bound lakes. All you need is a couple quarter ounce kastmasters and you'll bag fish all day.

Oh god... now you tell me after I just got back! 

Anyways.. Loon Lake is awesome! Water level is pretty low but still very pretty.
We fished and only caught a carp.. yes a carp, kinda weird and also a crawfish by hand.

We just used worms off the bank and didn't try hard enough.

Overall, I had an awesome time hiking and swimming in numerous coves. Will definitely be back again.

For those that are thinking of going... you can drive all the way to the second dam and park along the rocks where the Rubicon Trail starts. Plenty of parking there.

 

  While doing the Rubicon once,(Many moons ago) I remember seeing a huge metal grate protecting a huge tunnel opening, I want to say at Buck Island lake,  the tunnel looked like it went off in the direction of Loon.   Thinking about it now, water from Buck Island probably makes its way down to loon to help the power plant.
  Just looked at Google earth image of Buck island and can see the tunnel opening.  Only 1.6 miles from Loon.

 

  While doing the Rubicon once,(Many moons ago) I remember seeing a huge metal grate protecting a huge tunnel opening, I want to say at Buck Island lake,  the tunnel looked like it went off in the direction of Loon.   Thinking about it now, water from Buck Island probably makes its way down to loon to help the power plant.
  Just looked at Google earth image of Buck island and can see the tunnel opening.  Only 1.6 miles from Loon.

I actually took my kayak in there from Loon and went back quite a ways, but not all the way to Buck.
For whatever reason the gate/grate was open.
there were actually quite a few fish in there too.

  While doing the Rubicon once,(Many moons ago) I remember seeing a huge metal grate protecting a huge tunnel opening, I want to say at Buck Island lake,  the tunnel looked like it went off in the direction of Loon.   Thinking about it now, water from Buck Island probably makes its way down to loon to help the power plant.
  Just looked at Google earth image of Buck island and can see the tunnel opening.  Only 1.6 miles from Loon.

I actually took my kayak in there from Loon and went back quite a ways, but not all the way to Buck.
For whatever reason the gate/grate was open.
there were actually quite a few fish in there too.

Yeah we also hiked to the tunnel on Loon side but couldn't walk/kayak in there cuz water was flowing out at a moderate speed. It was dark as hell and looked kinda creepy.

 It was dark as hell and looked kinda creepy.

Exactly.
WTTM!