Why Lake Tahoe Is a Fishing Paradise
Mackinaw anglers know when they fish in Lake Tahoe that the biggest example of their prey of choice ever caught in California, a 37-pounder, was caught right there. Anglers from all over the world who like to chase many different species visit Lake Tahoe to ply their craft. They enjoy not only the world-class fishing but also the crystalline water of the lake itself whether they’re fishing, boating, or swimming.
Key Fish Species in Lake Tahoe
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout that live in the rivers seldom grow to more than 5 pounds. Those that live in lakes like Lake Tahoe, however, grow up to 20 pounds or more. You might also have heard the term “steelhead.” Steelheads are ocean-dwelling trout that return to their streams to spawn, much like salmon. When hooked, they fight harder than almost any other freshwater game fish, making them a great prize among anglers.
Brown Trout
Like their rainbow-colored cousins, brown trout are predators. They are particularly vicious and eat almost anything. They can weigh more than 40 pounds. Theirs is an ancient species that the Romans wrote extensively about fishing for in 200 CE. Brown trout don’t fight as hard as rainbow trout, but they are crafty and are prone to run through logs and rocks to break your line.
Mackinaw Trout
Mackinaw trout are also known as lake trout, which can be confusing because brown trout are also sometimes called lake trout. The world record for Mackinaws is more than 100 pounds! Should you chase Lake Tahoe fish species, you can try to beat some records. These trout are pelagic, which means that they’re deep dwellers, so you’ll have to troll for them rather than using flies.
Kokanee Salmon
Kokanee salmon are close relatives of sockeye salmon. Their chief difference is that they live their entire lives in fresh water rather than returning to the sea after spawning. They are much smaller than the other fish, seldom exceeding 2 pounds, but they’re fantastic to eat. They eat plankton and other tiny organisms, so they won’t hit your lure because they’re hungry. Rather, they hit the lure because they get angry with it. It’s best to use lures of garish colors like fluorescent chartreuse or hot pink to attract them.
Best Fishing Spots in Lake Tahoe
Prominent Locations and Hidden Gems
Sawmill Lake covers just 10 acres, but it’s one of the best hidden gems when it comes to rainbow trout. Because of rules governing fishing there, it’s strictly catch-and-release, and it’s limited to fly-fishing. The Boca Reservoir and the Stampede Reservoir are well-known as ice fishing locations during the winter. Boaters love the reservoirs in the spring and summer. Be sure to check the applicable regulations regarding bait and/or lures. Lake Tahoe itself offers great fishing out in the middle, and if you’re a beginner, then this is the place to go because guided fishing tours are available. Between July 1 and September 30, you can fish the Upper Truckee River. It’s another location where you have to catch and release and use barbless hooks.
Seasonal Fishing Tips and Techniques
When to Fish for Each Species
The best time to go after Mackinaw trout is from June until September. They prefer water that is less than 52° F, so bring a water thermometer to test the waters where you plan to seek them. These fish have tender mouths, so if you yank them hard, you’ll cut the hook right out of their mouths. It’s a good idea to use a net to bring them in. You can jig or troll for Mackinaw trout.
Conversely, Kokanee trout prefer warmer water, so look for those spots. They bite most from July until October. Trolling works best for Kokanee salmon, particularly deeper than 90 feet. Remember to use those garishly colored lures.
Rainbow trout congregate in the tributaries and streams where there are lots of rocks, but they’ll also gather near the shores of Lake Tahoe. You won’t find them out in the deep spots, however. They bite most during the summer.
Brown trout congregate in the shallows of the lake during the late spring. They’ll go for most any lure or bait, and fishing from the shore is the best way to hook brown trout.
Recommended Gear and Baits
Tributaries generally require you to fly-fish, so a good fly rod is a must. You can fly-fish from the shore, or even from a boat, but out on the lake, the best bait depends on your target. Kokanee salmon, for example, like cured white shoepeg corn or cured shrimp. You’ll have to dye the baits you use for Kokanee salmon because they go for the color and not the food. Because they’ll eat almost anything, brown trout will go for everything from worms to crickets. Mackinaw trout don’t generally go for bait they can eat; rather, they go for lures.
For most fishing, a rod of anywhere from 8 feet to 15 feet long is best, depending on the style you want to fish. Also, depending on the kind of fish you’re chasing, you’ll need anywhere from 4-pound to 20-pound monofilament test line.
Understanding Lake Tahoe Fishing Regulations
Licenses, Permits, and Conservation Rules
Remember, you can’t fish within 300 feet of the lake’s tributaries out of season. Also, you may not fish within 250 feet of any dam on Lake Tahoe or its tributaries at any time. Because the lake straddles the border between Nevada and California, you may fish if you have a license from either state. Anyone who is 16 or older needs a license.
Follow all catch-and-release policies and size restrictions, and don’t use prohibited bait or lures in the wrong places. The fines start at $100 and progress up to $1,000 or more. For safety’s sake, when ice fishing, the holes you cut into the ice must be no larger than 10 inches across.
How to Plan Your Fishing Trip in Lake Tahoe
Selecting the Right RV Parks and Campgrounds
The right RV campground is the best place to stay when you visit Lake Tahoe. Before selecting a campground, there are a few things that you have to decide.
First, choose between full hookups and dry camping. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, such as one being less expensive while the other is more convenient, and vice versa. The next thing you should check is the maximum length of RV that your chosen campground will accommodate.
If you plan on boating, make sure that your chosen campground or RV park has a boat ramp. If you’re not from California or Nevada, you might pay extra fees at the campground or RV park you pick. If your chosen campsite doesn’t have full hookups, or you plan to dry camp or boondock, it’s important to know where the nearest dump station is.
Fishing Tours and Guide Services
There are six major fishing charters that you can hire to take you to the best spots they know of, which is a great way to fish Lake Tahoe for the first time. It’s also a family-friendly activity that both adults and kids can enjoy.
Sustainability and Conservation Efforts
Promoting Responsible Fishing Practices
It’s not really that difficult to follow the rules and still have a great time while angling. Never take a fish that’s too small or bigger than the maximum allowed. Never take more than the catch limit. If a location requires you to catch and release, then catch and release. Remember to take photos so that your successes don’t become stories about “the one that got away.” Don’t litter. If you camp, never throw any of your trash into the water. Pack out everything that you pack in. Remember to clean your boat’s hull before and after arriving so that no aquatic hitchhikers contaminate the water of Lake Tahoe or its tributaries.
Community and Resources
Joining Local Angling Clubs and Online Forums
One of the best ways to get a feel for the area is to seek out local fishing clubs, such as the Tahoe Truckee Fly Fishers, or peruse online forums, which include those at TripAdvisor. There, you can talk to fellow anglers and exchange tips about Lake Tahoe fishing species and secret spots before you even arrive.
Where to Get the Latest Fishing Reports
The website called Lake Tahoe This Week provides a weekly bulletin. Fishing reports appear there all year-round, so you can get all the information you need about what’s happening with just a few mouse clicks. If that site isn’t updated when you check it, then Sportsman’s Warehouse is another good online site for reports about the types of fish in Lake Tahoe.
Fishing along the gorgeous shores of Lake Tahoe is an experience you’ll not soon forget. Always remember to get your fishing license for either Nevada or California before heading out, practice catch-and-release where applicable, and be mindful of where you’re fishing near a dam or tributary. Should you need a place to stay while you’re out in Lake Tahoe trying to catch rainbow trout, brown trout, or kokanee salmon, RVshare has you covered. RVshare offers vehicles in the Lake Tahoe area that range from travel trailers to Class A, B, and C motorized RVs. Pick up your RV rental from RVshare today.
