There aren’t many fisheries in the country that can compete with the clear deep waters of Lake Tahoe. The Lake Tahoe fishery provides the perfect environment to catch Mackinaw (lake) trout, Rainbow trout, Brown trout and Kokanee salmon. Anglers can enjoy year round fishing from an hour before the sun comes up until two hours after sunset.
Before heading to Lake Tahoe to fish make sure you’re aware of basic rules and regulations. Tributary fishing at Lake Tahoe is off-limits from October 1 through June 30 (restricted within 300′ of a tributary). There is a 5 fish daily limit for most game fish, with a 2 fish limit for Mackinaw. Fishing licenses from California or Nevada are valid to use throughout Lake Tahoe.
Let’s explore a few of the most important aspects of fishing Lake Tahoe.
- Type of fish on Lake Tahoe
- Fishing techniques and bait
- Best fishing spots on Lake Tahoe
- When to fish Lake Tahoe
- Fishing spots near Lake Tahoe
Types of Fish in Lake Tahoe
There are twelve species of game fish in Lake Tahoe, which includes five invasive species. The most popular game fish among anglers are Mackinaw (Lake Trout), German Browns, Rainbow Trout and Kokanee Salmon. These are the four species most anglers come to fish–with Mackinaw (aka “Macks”) at the top of ever angler’s bucket list. Lahontan cutthroat trout, Brook trout, and Mountain whitefish are also found in Lake Tahoe but in fewer numbers.
Invasive warm-water species found in Lake Tahoe include Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass, Brown bullhead, Black crappie and Bluegill. It’s believed these species were introduced to Lake Tahoe near the Tahoe Keys recreational and vacation areas. While these species can be fished, most anglers come to Lake Tahoe to target trout and salmon.
Fishing techniques and recommended baits
Jigging near the bottom using artificial or live minnows is one of the most effective techniques for targeting Mackinaw, Rainbow and Brown trout on Lake Tahoe. Fishing with worms—instead of minnows—is also effective. A nice juicy nightcrawler will attract a lot of action.
Slow trolling at a depth between 100 and 200 ft is another effective method for targeting trout on Lake Tahoe. The colder the water, the slower you’ll want to troll. Trolling is a great way to get started as it allows you cover a lot of water quickly and locate where the fish are holding. Once you find the fish, we recommend switching off from trolling to jigging.
If you’re going to fish live baitfish–which I recommend–you must use native non-game fish (e.g. Redside Shiner, Speckled Dace, Tui Chum, Tahoe sucker, Puite Sculpin) taken from Lake Tahoe. Redside Shiner minnows are favorite and always seem to get the bite. Shiners will stay alive in a livewell, are a baitfish that trout go gaga over, and are easy to catch. Drop a minnow trap in 10 to 20 feet of water, bait it with some dogfood, give it a good 30 minutes, pull it up, and you’ll have shiners.
In addition to fishing for Mackinaws, Rainbows and Browns, there are several other game fish species you can target on Lake Tahoe. Below we’ll cover various fishing techniques for targeting each species.
| Fish Species | Fishing Technique |
|---|---|
| Lake Trout (Mackinaw) | Jig off of shelves in 200-350 ft of water. Mooching the bottom is another popular technique for targeting Mackinaw. Drift fishing and deep line trolling around 100 ft with flashers or downriggers is also effective. Preferred baits are live minnows or nightcrawlers, but they'll also take minnow-imitating lures including Rapalas, Flatfish, plugs and spoons. Spoons are great for trolling. Macks have soft mouths, so don't rush the reeling and use a net to bring them into your boat. |
| Rainbow Trout | Topline trolling minnows, worms or lures near the surface is a popular technique for targeting rainbows on Lake Tahoe. Jigging with a soft plastic with some attractant applied to the soft plastic is also effective. |
| Brown Trout (German) | Bait cast in the shallows toward the west end of the lake using nightcrawlers or artificial lures. Brown trout also will take inline spinners, crankbaits and soft plastic that mimic leeches, minnows and sculpin. |
| Kokanee Salmon | Topline troll using a lure or worm on a size 4-8 hook. Troll using a downrigger at a depth of 50-200 ft. Flasher and dodgers can help. Using plastic skirted lure (aka 'Hoochie') works well, as do spinners and spoons. Attaching a white shoepeg corn kernel with some attractant to the hook tip will provide some extra oomph. Jigging for Kokanee just off the bottom with a little Liquid Krill on a braided line is also effective for targeting Kokanee. Use any jig or metal. We recommend bomber slab spoons. |
| Lahontan Cutthroat Trout | Topline troll using nightcrawlers. Cutthroat also take salmon eggs and smaller worms. When fly fishing use size 12-14 artificial nymphs to lure cutthroat out from cover. Use dry fly patterns that mimic stoneflies and mayflies. Stimulator dry flies also work. |
| Brook Trout | Brookies can be caught in and around Lake Tahoe using fly fishing and bait casting techniques. They'll take small artificial lures, spinner lures, earthworms, maggots, and powerbaits. Dry flies are also effective when fly fishing. |
| Mountain Whitefish | Not commonly targeted in Lake Tahoe. Will take a variety of baits including mealworms, maggots, earthworms and aquatic insects. They typically feed near the bottom in Lake Tahoe. When fly fishing in rivers use midge and stonefly nymph patterns. |
| Largemouth/smallmouth Bass | Cast and retrieve a crankbait, spinnerbait, soft plastic or jig near cover in shallower waters on the south end of the lake near Tahoe Keys. Bass will strick your lure because they're hungry or because they consider it a threat to their nest. Minnow immitations also work well. When fishing deeper water try a deep diving crankbait. Worms work for targeting smaller bass. |
| Brown Bullhead | As a rule they feed on or near the bottom at night and are omnivorous feeding on mollusks, insects, leeches, crustaceans, worms, plants algae, fish and fish eggs. Putting a worm on the bottom of the lake is your best bet for snagging a bullhead. |
| Black Crappie | Fish imitation minnow lures around cover including docks, pilings, weed beds and drop-offs in the shallows near the Tahoe Keys. Jigs, small spinners, crankbaits and swimbaits will catch bigger crappies. Bait include mealworms, smaller earth worms and crickets also work well. |
| Bluegill | Still fishing with a suspended bait and bobber is ideal for fishing bluegill on Lake Tahoe. Fish around structure and cover such as weeds, docks and pilings. Fish shallower waters. |
Best fishing spots on Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is brimming with fish, but finding them can still be challenging. About ninety percent of Lake Tahoe fish species inhabit about ten percent of the lake. At roughly 200 square miles, 22 miles long and 1,640 feet deep, that’s a lot of lake. Knowing where to drop your line can make the difference between a successful fishing trip and returning home empty handed.
The following interactive map shows a few of the most productive fishing spots to target if you want to maximize your chance of hitting your limit.
While it’s possible to fish from shore, Lake Tahoe doesn’t provide a lot of accessible shore line. Much of Tahoe’s shore is steep and inaccessible, but there are few locations where you can stay on solid ground and land some good catches. The east side of the lake tends to provides the best bank fishing. Angler’s report that Kings Beach, Cave Rock and Tahoe Keys are a few of the better spots to fish from shore. The shoreline along South Lake Tahoe, just east of Tahoe Keys, also provides access for shore fishing.
Tahoe’s primary trout species–Mackinaws and Rainbows–are typically found in deeper, colder waters toward the middle of the lake. Mackinaws (Lake trout) are a structure oriented fish that are typically found on vertical dropoffs and high points in the lake. If you have sonar, and are targeting Mackinaws that’s what you want to look for.
Effectively targeting lake trout or Rainbows real requires fishing from a boat. Mackinaws and rainbows rarely come close enough to shore to get your bait in front of them. However, you can snag a rainbow from time to time shore fishing. When trout fishing from the bank, target areas with rock bottoms, cover and drop offs. During the fall Mackinaw will sometimes move into the shallows.
Sugar Pine Point and Dollar Point in North Lake Tahoe provide steep drop offs where Macks love to congregate. In South Lake Tahoe offshore shelves around Cave Rock and Tahoe Keys can also provide some good Mackinaw action. Macks are usually going to be found at a depth of around 100 feet but they may go deeper in the warmer summer months or rise closer to the surface in cold winter months. You’ll want to try fishing at different depths.
Local anglers recommend fishing the western (California) side of Lake Tahoe for rainbows, but you’ll find rainbows in many of the same areas where Mackinaws are found. Trolling the west shore south of Tahoe City will usually produce some good rainbow catches. Dollar Point, Crystal Bay Point, Cave Rock and Sand Harbor are also productive spots to fish for rainbows–as well as Mackinaws. I recommend giving Emerald Bay and Zephyr Cove a try as well. During the right time of the year you can find Mackinaw, Rainbows and Browns at Zephyr.
Next to lake trout, kokanee are the most popular game fish on Lake Tahoe. Like Mackinaw they also prefer deeper, colder waters. However, they’re often found closer to the surface. You’ll find kokanee in water anywhere from about 40 to over 150 feet deep depending on the season. The warmer the season the deeper they’re usually found.
A few top kokanee fishing spots include Camp Richardson, Meeks Bay and Cave Rock. The drop-offs near Taylor Creek produce large kokanee during late August and September as they move toward Taylor Creek to spawn. The highest concentrations of kokanee are reported in the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe.
While not nearly as common as Macks, rainbows and kokanee, you’ll find some brown trout Lake Tahoe proper. Most anglers catch browns while fishing for Mackinaws and rainbows. If you want to fish specifically for browns, the west side of the lake tends to be more productive.
Warmwater game fish species, including Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, Crappie and Bluegill are found in the shallower waters mosting in the southern part of the lake near the Tahoe Keys. Bass are also found ouside of the Keys in the main lake but in fewer numbers. When fishing the main lake for bass, target the edges of weed beds and around rocky ledges.
If you have your eye set on crappie or bluegill, fish the cover around docks and pier pilings, shallow drop-offs, and weed beds.
When to Fish on Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe can fished fish year round, although spring through fall are the most productive fishing seasons. The following chart provides the best time of year to fish each game fish species on Lake Tahoe.
| Fish species | When to fish |
|---|---|
| Mackinaw Trout | Year round |
| Rainbow Trout | September through November |
| Kokanee | Early spring through mid fall |
| Brown Trout | Early to mid summer |
| Brook Trout | Early summer |
| Cutthroat Trout | Spring and summer |
| Bass | Late spring and early summer |
Winter fishing on Lake Tahoe is really underrated, yet provides some great catch rates fro Mackinaw and Rainbows. The colder water temps of late winter and early spring bring fish up closer to the lakes surface and provide some great shoreline action for anglers who are up to weathering the cold. There are really some massive trout that can be pulled from the lake during late February and March.
Late winter and early spring are one of the few times of year that you stand a good chance of hooking a Mackinaw from shore. Most of the year they’re found in deeper waters that are only accessible from boat.
Fishing spots near Lake Tahoe
If you’ve got the time, we really recommend hitting some of the surrounding lakes and streams in the area. Sometimes when the fishing isn’t as great on Lake Tahoe, nearby tributaries will provide good catch rates.
Lake Tahoe offers great fishing, but some of the best fishing in the Tahoe Basin is found in the alpine lakes, streams and tributaries that surround Lake Tahoe proper. The following map provides coordinates, fish species and details for the major high elevation and alpine fisheries located in the Lake Tahoe area.
Below you’ll find detailed descriptions for each of the fishing spots found in the above map.
| Fishing Spots | Description |
|---|---|
| Truckee River (West Shore Lake Tahoe) | Flows out of Lake Tahoe’s west shore. Anglers will find Brookies, Browns, and Rainbows. This section of the Truckee opens with trout season on the 3rd Saturday of April. Parking is available along the highway with walking or biking access to the river. |
| East & West Carson Rivers | Stocked regularly with trout. Browns are catch and release. You'll find rainbows primarily with some browns and cutthroats. Fishing season is from the end of April throuh mid-November below Carson Falls. Check regulations before fishing. |
| Boca & Stampede Reservoirs | Both lakes are close together. Stocked with browns, rainbows and kokanee. Two-fish limit. Shore fishing (early morning/late afternoon, with bait, lures, flies) and boat fishing are both productive. Little Truckee area is designated for barbless artificials only, with a size limit of 14 inches. Offers great ice fishing. |
| Caples Lake | A reservoir with the benefit of steep sides and deep water, so even close to shore you're in a prime fishing zone. Stocked with Brookies, Browns, Mackinaw and Rainbows, and is known for having some big fish. |
| Taylor Creek | Located in South Lake Tahoe. Offers good fishing (and large fish) when water flows are high. Open for fishing July 1 through September 30. Each fall kokanee migrate from Lake Tahoe proper into Taylor Creek to spawn. |
| Fallen Leaf Lake | Fish by boat or shore to catch Rainbows and Macks, plus enjoy the chance to catch an experimental Cutthroat Trout strain that has been introduced to the lake. Fishing is best from boat. Parking is fairly limited so arrive early. |
| Donner Lake | Stocked regularly. Has deep, steep sides. You'll find Brookies, Browns, Kokanee, Mackinaws and Rainbows. Jumbo-sized Mackinaws have been caught here. There are free public piers on the lake's north side for shore fishing. |
| Upper Truckee River | Open from July 1 through September 30. Preferred technique is fly fishing. Fish populations here are lower than other streams, so practice gentle, barbless catch and release. Fishing pressure is typically low. Fish the deep pools during the first of the fishing season for best results. |
| Echo Lakes | Provide excellent shore-fishing opportunity due to steep sides and deep water close to shore. Baits, lures and flies all work well here. Regularly stocked with all local trout species as well as kokanee. Shore fishing is best near the dam. Anglers can also fish from boat. |
| Blue Lakes | An upper and lower lake connected by a stream. These are true alpine lakes located at over 8,200 feet. The upper lake offers the best fishing. However, the lower lake is stocked annually with rainbow and cutthroat trout. Both lakes offer good rainbow, lake and cutthroat trout especially near the dams where the lakes connect. |
| Twin Lake | Located just above the Upper and Lower Blue Lakes. Is regularly stocked with trout. |
| Silver Lake | Offers fishing for large rainbow, mackinaw and German brown trout. You'll normally find fish right across from the boat launch. Located just off Hwy 88 south of Lake Tahoe. |
| Spooner Lake | Located at 7000 feet. Offers fishing for rainbows, browns and cutthroats. Cutthroat trout tend to be larger here. Best fishing is from June through July. Great ice fishing. Catch-and-keep with a daily limit of 5 fish. |
| Independence | Fishing is best by boat. Limited bank access. Game fish species include Kokanee salmon, Lahontan cutthroat, German browns and brook trout. Brown trout tend to be large. |
| Lake Spaulding | Offers fishing from boat or shore. Boat fishing is the preferred method. Top game fish include rainbow and brown trout. |
| Bear River Reservoir | Is a great fishery. Offers healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout. Fishing season is May through October. Offers fish from boat or shore. |
| Lake Valley Reservoir | A small 2 mile long lake that offers superb canoe and kayak fishing. Game fish species include rainbow trout and brown bullheads. |
| Marlette Lake | Located just east of Lake Tahoe in Nevada. Accessed via a small hike. Motorboat inaccessible but you can portage a canoe or kayak. Catch and release only. Has healthy populations of rainbows, brookies and cutthroats. Fishing season is from July 15 through September 30. |
| Prosser Creek Reservoir | Fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, and an occassional bass. Excellent ice fishing during the winter. Best fishing spots are near boat ramps, inlets and the dam. |
| Rubicon River | Popular trout fishery. Brook, rainbow and brown trout are found above Hell Hole Reservoir. The river above Oxbow Reservoir also provides excellent fishing. Review all regulations for fishing this area. Open year round but fishing is best during the spring and summer. |
| Serene Lakes | Collection of 5 lakes in the High Sierras. Cascade Lakes, Kidd Lake, Long Lake, and Serene Lakes. Game fish include rainbow trout, brook trout and catfish. Long Lake provides the best fishing opportunities. |
| Washoe Lake | Large 5,800 acre lake. Warm water fishery with white bass, perch, channel catfish, brown bullhead, and wipers. Fishing is best during the late spring and early fall. During the summer, fish in the evenings. During the spring and fall, fish the later afternoons. |
| Sawmill Pond | Children only fishing pond for children 14 years old or younger. Located 1 mile south of South Lake Tahoe just off of Lake Tahoe Boulevard. |
