Fishing the beautiful lakes of the high Sierras is an absolutely unforgettable experience. Anglers from across the globe trek to the area in hopes of landing a trophy, and one of their prime targets is Lake Tahoe. Located on the California-Nevada border, the lake has an elevation of 6,230 feet, with crystal clear waters holding a variety of exciting gamefish. In fact, the area offers some of the best freshwater fishing on the planet, with abundant brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, Lahontan cutthroat trout, Kokanee salmon, and the delicious Mackinaw, which is caught year round. Most of the other species are seasonal. And speaking of seasons, here are some tips and tricks to fishing year-round.
SPRING and SUMMER When the water warms up a little, it's time for the brown, brook, and cutthroat trout, along with the Kokanee salmon, to start biting. For browns and brook trout, try the western end of Lake Tahoe. These fish prefer shallows with rocky bottoms and any type of structure, like piers, submerged brush, and docks. Small lures and night crawlers are the preferred baits, but dry flies can be deadly, as well.
The best method to hook a cutthroat is to troll from a boat with a nightcrawler near the surface. For shore fishing, try Rubicon Point. Make long casts using baits like worms or salmon eggs, slightly jigging the bait on the retrieve.
To catch Kokanee salmon, you'll need a boat. Load a few worms, accordian style, on a number six hook and troll the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe or the Cave Rock area until you begin getting strikes. The average size for Kokanee in the lake is 1.5 pounds, not huge, but they're fun to catch!
FALL The dropping temperatures of the cool autumn days entice the beautiful rainbow trout to bite. These fish reach amzing sizes in Lake Tahoe, up to 25 pounds. Trolling or casting small lures on or near the surface is the best way to land a rainbow, but they are voracious feeders, eating a variety of insects, crayfish, and smaller fish. They also put up quite a fight on a fly rod when they devour a dry fly.
YEAR ROUND Lucky for fishermen, the Mackinaws bite all year. These fish prefer deep water, so you'll need a boat to reach them, along with downriggers. Try deep-trolling worms or flashy lures. Hookups can also be accomplished by freelining live minnows, but the minnows must be nettted in the lake. The average Tahoe Mackinaw is four pounds, but eight pounders are common. The state record, a 37-pound monster, was landed in Lake Tahoe.
If you're visiting Lake Tahoe and want some exciting angling action, you'll need to purchase a non-resident license. You can buy an annual license for $94 or a 1-10 day temporary permit for $18 for the first day and $7 for each additional consecutive day. Most tackle shops sell licenses and permits.
If you're serious about landing a trophy, your best bet is to hire a fishing guide. Tahoe is a huge lake, 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, with over 191 square miles of surface area. Depths reach over 1,600 feet. That's a lot of water! A professional guide knows the lake well and will be able to put you on the fish. By booking a half-day or allday trip, your chances of battling a lunker will vastly increase, and so will your enjoyment. Let them do all the work, while you have all the fun!
This guide to year-round angling in Lake Tahoe was brought to you by Holle Abee.