Lake Tahoe Fishing Report

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

The weather is cooling in the mountains, but Lake Tahoe’s fishing is heating up, especially for rainbows and browns. As the water temperature drops, these trout rise to the surface, making shallow trolling with spoons highly effective. Expect to pick up a few cutthroat as well. The Mackinaw bite is improving for quality fish, though numbers are still down. Most are holding deep, from 150 to 220 feet.

Following an outstanding early summer with giant Mackinaw, the shift to Kokanee has been equally impressive. Tahoe typically produces Kokes up to 14 inches, but this year, 16-18 inch fish are not uncommon. The southwest area of the lake has been most productive at depths of 55-75 feet. There are a lot of boats out, especially on weekends.

There's still concern that the low flows out of Taylor Creek might hinder the spawn for yet another year... a major worry for future numbers.

Mackinaw action has been sporadic, although fish are still being caught. The north and west shores have been the most productive.