HomeClimbingFish Supper

Fish Supper at Main Wall, Wrights Lake

South Lake Tahoe, California USA
balancey crux
granite
trad gear
single pitch
no fixed anchors
technical footwork
Length: 70 ft
Type: Trad, TR
Stars
Pitches
1
Location
Fish Supper
Aspect
South Facing

Overview

"Fish Supper delivers a brief but balance-focused climb on the granite faces of Wrights Lake’s Main Wall. Ideal as a warm-up or a technical tune-up, this 5.10a line challenges precise footwork and thoughtful gear placement within a single pitch."

Fish Supper at Main Wall, Wrights Lake

Fish Supper offers a compact yet challenging introduction to the rock climbing options at Wrights Lake within California’s Highway 50 Corridor. This single-pitch climb, clocking in at about 70 feet, delivers a balance-focused crux near the bottom that tests your footwork and body positioning before easing into more manageable terrain. The line is straightforward but requires precise climbing, rewarding those who come prepared with a steady hand and thoughtful gear choices. Though it doesn't reach the excitement levels of some neighboring climbs, it is an excellent warm-up route, especially compared to The Prow, which shares the same 5.10a rating but demands more sustained effort due to its length.

Accessing Fish Supper involves an approach through classic granite surroundings marked by scenic forest edges and the crisp mountain air of Wrights Lake. The climb situates itself on Main Wall, an area known for clean rock and a peaceful atmosphere away from busier crags. The route itself presents a balancey technical sequence near the start, encouraging climbers to focus on delicate foot placements and smooth movement before settling into a moderate finish, allowing for breathing room after the initial challenge.

Protection is straightforward but leans on a smaller rack setup; doubles may not be necessary, making your rack lighter and your approach easier. Since the route lacks fixed anchors, setting your own top-rope or trad anchors is essential. Some climbers consider continuing beyond the primary anchors above the ledge, though this extension introduces additional difficulty not fully documented and could push the grade beyond 5.10a.

Timing your visit is another practical checkpoint: mornings bring fresher temperatures and optimal conditions on this east-facing wall, while afternoon climbs could encounter more sun exposure, warming the granite and affecting hold friction. The descent from the climb is a simple downclimb or a carefully placed rappel, so be prepared with your gear and awareness of the route’s committing sections.

This climb suits those looking to sharpen balance skills in a short but rewarding package, perfect for warming up before bigger routes or topping off an afternoon at Wrights Lake. Your footwear should offer sticky rubber and precise edging capability to maximize your advantage on the technical crux. Hydration and layers remain vital on any day here—the elevation hovers close to 7,000 feet, and mountain weather can shift quickly. Respect the route’s sparing protection spots, and enjoy this gateway challenge that opens the door to the richer climbing experiences Main Wall has to offer.

Climber Safety

Without fixed anchors, ensure all protection is solid before committing, as the ledge above the crux offers limited resting spots. The route’s moderate length demands careful management of rope drag when setting anchors or rappelling.

Route Details

TypeTrad, TR
Pitches1
Length70 feet

Local Tips

Start early to enjoy cooler temperatures and better friction on the granite.

Bring sticky-soled shoes to tackle the balance-intensive crux smoothly.

Approach the climb prepared to place your own anchors; no fixed gear is provided.

Hydrate well and layer clothing for fast-changing mountain conditions.

Route Rating

Difficulty
5.10a
Quality
Consensus:The 5.10a rating feels true to the style with a distinctly balance-dependent crux low on the route. While some moderate climbing follows, the initial moves require precision rather than power, making it somewhat softer for climbers with strong technique. Compared to The Prow nearby, which holds a similar grade but requires sustained endurance, Fish Supper is a tidier, punchier challenge.

Gear Requirements

A smaller rack suffices for Fish Supper, likely without needing doubles. Climbers must bring gear for traditional protection placements, as no fixed anchors are present; plan to set your own top-rope or rappel anchors.

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Tags

balancey crux
granite
trad gear
single pitch
no fixed anchors
technical footwork