South Lake Tahoe Fishing

El Dorado County

South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, California
South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, California

South Lake Tahoe Fishing

El Dorado County, California
Douglas County, Nevada


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 South 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 near Cave Rock. Another good area is along the west shore from Rubicon Point to Sugar Pine Point.

Fishing from shore, the best location by far is around Cave Rock. Kokanee fishing is good near the mouth of Taylor Creek.



South Lake Tahoe  fishing map, CA

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 in South 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,

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

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




Lake Tahoe Fishing Charters and Guide Services

Tahoe Sport Fishing Co.
  Ski Run Marina and
  Zephyr Cove Marina
(800) 696-7797

Website: Tahoe Sport Fishing Co.
Experienced captains will guide you to the best spots for trolling, drifting and jigging. Morning and Afternoon ride-alongs or Private Charters. A fleet of fishing boats from 30 to 45 feet.

Mile High Fishing Charters
2438 Venice Dr. East
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(866) 752-FISH or (530) 541-5312

Captain Joby Cefalu will guide you to the best fishing Tahoe has to offer in his fully equipped 28-foot Fish Rite boat. Joby Cefalu grew up fishing Lake Tahoe and knows the lake.
Website: Mile High Fishing


Lake Tahoe
Fishing Tackle and Bait

Tahoe Bait and Tackle
900 Ski Run Blvd., #102
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 541-1412


Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters
2705 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 541-8208

Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters

Sportsman
2556 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
(530) 542-3474


Swigard's True Value Hardware
200 North Lake Boulevard, Sunnyside-Tahoe City, CA
(530) 583-3738

True Value Hardware

Tahoma PDQ Market
6937 W Lake Blvd, Tahoma, CA

Village Ace Hardware
910 Tahoe Blvd., #10
Incline Village, NV
(775) 831-2020

Village Ace Hardware

Chuck's Bait and Tackle
8545 N. Lake Blvd.. Kings Beach, CA
(530) 546-8425


Walmart Supercenter
910 Tahoe Blvd., #10
3770 South Highway 395
Carson City, NV
(775) 267-2158

Walmart

Mountain Hardware Sports
11320 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, CA
(530) 587-4844

Mountain Hardware Sports

Rowdyville Fly Shop
10068 Hirschdale Rd. Truckee, CA
(530) 587-8282


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