Fishing at Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe's deep waters are home to brown trout, rainbow trout, Mackinaw trout, and Kokanee salmon. Fishing is allowed year-round from one hour before sunrise until two hours after sunset. Fishing is not allowed within 300 feet of lake tributaries from October 1 to June 30. The limit is 5 fish; no more than two of which may be Mackinaw. California or Nevada fishing licenses may be used anywhere on the lake. Check California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations for any updates.

Where to Fish on Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is fished most successfully from a boat, preferably one equipped to stand up to the wind that is bound to come up by late morning. Fishing deep is often the rule at Tahoe. Mackinaw are known to school at about 200 feet and lower. Brown and Rainbows can be caught by toplining along the shorelines. Trollers do well working the drop-off along the east shore between Skunk Harbor and Sand Harbor and along the edge that extends from Crystal Bay Point southwest for a mile or two.

Fishing from shore, some of the best location are the area just south of Sand Harbor, along the west shore south of Tahoe City, at McKinney Bay, off Dollar Point, and off the east side of Crystal Bay Point.

Record Fish from Lake Tahoe

• Rainbow Trout - 11 pounds, 7 ounces, caught by Chuck McMeechan in 1997
• Cutthroat Trout* - 31 pounds, 8 ounces, caught by Ernest Pomin in 1911
• Mackinaw Trout - 37 pounds, 6 ounces, caught by Robert G. Aronsen in June 1974
• Brown Trout - 15 pounds, 2 ounces, caught by Don Nanounouchi in June 2008
• Kokanee Salmon - 4 pounds, 13 ounces, caught by Dick Bournique in August 1973
• Brook Trout - 5 pounds, caught by Fran Oppio in 1969

Which Baits and Lures Are Catching Fish at North Lake Tahoe?

Rainbow and Brown Trout: Small Lures, Nightcrawlers, Salmon Eggs, Rapala Plugs, Black F40 Rebel Minnow coated with Pautzke Liquid Krill, Flatfish Plugs, Rebel, Bomber

Mackinaw Trout: Minnows, Night Crawlers, Lures, downriggers popular for the depths at Tahoe

Kokanee: Spoons, Spinners, Hoochies, everything behind a Dodger