Lake Tahoe
California Trout, Salmon, Bass
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Lake Tahoe Bite Meter

2 weeks ago
Mackinaw
Hot
Kokanee Salmon
Good
Trout
Good

Lake Tahoe Fishing Overview

Water Description

Tahoe is most famous for its Mackinaw (lake trout) fishery. It's not uncommon to catch Macks over 18 pounds, and the lake holds both the California and Nevada state records of 37 pounds, 6 ounces. Kokanee salmon also garners plenty of attention from anglers during certain times of the year. Lake Tahoe replenishes its kokanee population yearly, both through natural reproduction (in nearby tributaries) and annual stockings. Like lake trout, Tahoe proudly claims the state records for Kokanee in California and Nevada at 5 pounds, 2 ounces. Rainbow...

Tahoe is most famous for its Mackinaw (lake trout) fishery. It's not uncommon to catch Macks over 18 pounds, and the lake holds both the California and Nevada state records of 37 pounds, 6 ounces.

Kokanee salmon also garners plenty of attention from anglers during certain times of the year. Lake Tahoe replenishes its kokanee population yearly, both through natural reproduction (in nearby tributaries) and annual stockings. Like lake trout, Tahoe proudly claims the state records for Kokanee in California and Nevada at 5 pounds, 2 ounces.

Rainbow trout, though less numerous, also offer anglers a cold-weather option. Most Tahoe rainbows hover around 10-12 inches, although some can reach upwards of 5-10 pounds. Brown trout, brook trout, Lahontan cutthroat trout, and warmer water species such as largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill round out this mountain fishery.

Tahoe’s shoreline holds plenty of campgrounds and amenities. Because the lake lies in California and Nevada, boat anglers can use a license from either state. Shore anglers need a license from the specific state they’re fishing from. Areas within 300 feet of Tahoe’s tributaries are closed to fishing from October 1st through June 30th for spawning.

Species:
Mackinaw, Kokanee Salmon, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Mountain Whitefish
USGS Conditions:
10337000
Forage / Baitfish:
Lahontan Redside, Mosquitofish, Mountain Sucker, Speckled Dace, Tui Chub
Boating / Access:
Most boating allowed. Rentals available. Inspections required.
Regulations:
Geography:
Avg Depth: 1,000 ft
Max Depth: 1,645 ft
Surface Area: 122,240 acres
Surface Elevation: 6,225 ft
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Latest Fishing Reports

Hot Mackinaw bite
Trout, Mackinaw, Kokanee Salmon
51°F Very Clear

Tahoe’s spring bite is red hot, and conditions couldn’t be better. Water clarity is the best locals have seen in decades... glass-clear... with surface temps holding steady in the low to mid 50s. That combo has the big lake firing on all cylinders. Mackinaw are stacked deep and hungry. Most boats are running either tube jigs tipped with sucker meat...

Tahoe’s spring bite is red hot, and conditions couldn’t be better. Water clarity is the best locals have seen in decades... glass-clear... with surface temps holding steady in the low to mid 50s. That combo has the big lake firing on all cylinders.

Mackinaw are stacked deep and hungry. Most boats are running either tube jigs tipped with sucker meat or deep-diving stickbaits between 80 and 110 feet. Both techniques are putting fish in the box. The southwest and north ends have been consistent producers.

Kokanee are starting to stage but still sitting deeper than usual for spring. Look for them between 60 and 75 feet, especially where you can mark bait. Trolling wedding rings behind dodgers is working well, especially early when the light’s low.

Nearshore action is picking up too. Rainbows and browns are pushing shallow, particularly in the mornings and late afternoon. Long casts with spoons or a slow roll with a streamer can pull strikes from cruisers nosing the banks.

6 anglers found this report useful
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Excellent Mackinaw bite
Mackinaw, Rainbow Trout
42°F

Winter is a great time to catch big Mackinaw on Lake Tahoe. For those who can brave the cold (most guides have heaters on their boats, though), Tahoe is delivering excellent days, with double-digit monsters not uncommon. The southwest area is producing the best at around 150 feet, trolling live minnows. Shore casters are seeing very good rainbow...

Winter is a great time to catch big Mackinaw on Lake Tahoe. For those who can brave the cold (most guides have heaters on their boats, though), Tahoe is delivering excellent days, with double-digit monsters not uncommon. The southwest area is producing the best at around 150 feet, trolling live minnows. Shore casters are seeing very good rainbow trout action from the west shore, casting spinners or live nightcrawlers off the rocks

6 anglers found this report useful
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Other Nearby Reports

The Truckee is running high with spring runoff, but flows are fishable and clarity’s better than expected. Blue-winged olives, March browns, and small caddis are hatching mid...

Mackinaw are the main show right now at Donner, with trollers pulling big plugs… think Rapalas… down deep, around 100–110 feet. The east shore and the area near the main...

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