Best Fishing Trips and Top Fishing Guides in Lake Tahoe California
On the border of California and Nevada is Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America. The lake offers abundant fishing opportunities for over 23 species of fish in the local waters.
Lake Tahoe is a huge freshwater lake right on the border of California and Nevada. It is the largest alpine lake in North America and is second in depth only to Crater Lake. The ice age shaped the current lake about 2 million years ago. The lake emits a fog when the water temperature and the air temperature differ, making for a magical view.
Two-thirds of Lake Tahoe is in California while the other third is in Nevada. Many pieces of the shoreline are under protection by the United States Forest Service. 63 tributaries feed the area, bringing snowmelt and rain runoff. Occasionally the lake area floods, like in 1996/7 when it overflowed into Reno. The weather is dry in the summer months and typically warm and cold in the winter with regular snowfall.
California Fishing License
California requires anyone fishing in freshwater to carry a license. Anglers can obtain their license from any one of the sporting goods stores in the area. Check the local regulations or consult a guide to be sure you know any fishing laws for the time of your travel. They often change based on local conditions and seasonal regulations.
Sawmill Pond
If you are bringing kids with you, take some time to explore Sawmill Pond. It is a stocked pond for kids age 15 and under. No adults can fish unless they are assisting a child. It makes a great stop on your family fishing trip to give the young angler in your life a chance at catching their own fish.
Truckee River
The Truckee River area of Lake Tahoe is the only outlet in Tahoe City. Fishing is not allowed year-round from the dam through 1,000 feet downstream. It is important to consult with a local guide to learn the fishing regulations in the area. They vary based on the time of year and the changing conditions.
The Backcountry
If you are looking for an experience in the Backcountry, the Lake Tahoe region offers more than 20,000 acres of surface lakes and over 1,500 miles of streams for fishing. Plan a camping trip into the woods or spend the day exploring the region. There are 23 species of fish in the area and 15 of them are game fish. Note that it is illegal to use minnows for bait in lakes and mountain streams.
Kokanee Salmon
Lake Tahoe has a large population of Kokanee salmon. Every year from late September to October, the fish start their yearly spawning. They turn from a blue color to a bright red and venture upriver in the south of the lake. You can tell spawning season is on the way because the fish develop a humpback and their jaw starts to stick out. After they spawn, they die, and all the dead fish provide a feast for other local wildlife like bears, mink and bald eagles.
Rainbow Trout
Fishing season for rainbow trout is at its finest between May and July. The North Shore, King’s Beach and Lake Forest have rainbow trout throughout the summer. Cave Rock is on the East shore and is a great place to find both rainbow and brown trout. Prosser Creek Reservoir boasts some of the best trout fishing in the Truckee region.
A Lake Tahoe Fishing Guide Can Make All the Difference in Your Next Fishing Trip
For more information, get in touch with one of our experienced Lake Tahoe guides. They have the knowledge and the California expertise to help you plan your next fishing trip.