Lake Tahoe

Lake Information

Fish Species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Mackinaw Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Lahontan Cutthroat
Lake Tahoe presents one of California and Nevada’s most visually stunning and technically demanding fly fishing challenges. This deep, alpine lake holds mackinaw, rainbow and brown trout, and kokanee salmon, with fly fishing opportunities peaking during spring and fall.

Most productive fly fishing occurs near inlets, drop-offs, and rocky shorelines—especially around Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, and the Truckee River mouth. In spring, rainbow and brown trout cruise the shallows feeding on baitfish and midges, making streamer presentations with sinking lines highly effective. Olive buggers, clouser minnows, and zonkers work well when retrieved near rocky points and submerged structure.

Fall brings a chance at large brown trout staging at creek mouths like Taylor Creek. Anglers using full-sink or intermediate lines can target these fish by casting streamers early or late in the day. While mackinaw generally stay deep, some juvenile fish can be caught on fly gear in shallow water during cooler months.

Float tubes, small boats, or paddleboards are essential tools due to Tahoe’s size and depth. Shore fishing is possible in certain locations, but mobility greatly enhances success. The lake's clarity, wind exposure, and size demand stealth, planning, and patience.

Though not a numbers fishery, Lake Tahoe offers serious fly anglers a unique and scenic opportunity to catch large trout in a world-class alpine environment.



Latest Photos

6-23-2025
6-23-2025
6-23-2025
6-23-2025

Lake Tahoe Whoppers

Species Weight Date Report
Mackinaw Trout 25 lbs. 5-23-2025 View Report
Mackinaw Trout 24 lbs. 6-08-2016 View Report
Mackinaw Trout 20 lbs. 9-01-2016 View Report
Mackinaw Trout 20 lbs. 8-15-2023 View Report
Mackinaw Trout 20 lbs. 7-28-2024 View Report
Mackinaw Trout 20 lbs. 5-22-2025 View Report
Mackinaw Trout 20 lbs. 6-06-2025 View Report
Mackinaw Trout 18 lbs. 5-22-2025 View Report
Mackinaw Trout 18 lbs. 5-15-2023 View Report
Mackinaw Trout 16 lbs. 5-15-2023 View Report

Latest Fish Plants

Plant DateSpeciesSourceTotal Pounds
6-04-2025Lahontan CutthroatNDOW 
6-04-2025Lahontan CutthroatNDOW 
5-06-2025Rainbow TroutNDOW 
9-05-2024Lahontan CutthroatNDOW 
8-29-2024Lahontan CutthroatNDOW 


Latest Fish Reports

Date Report Author
6-23-2025 Nice bite on the lake today!
Nice bite on the lake today! Lots of... more »
Robert Varik
6-19-2025 Fishing has been good when you can get out
Fishing has been good when you can get... more »
Doug Busey
6-17-2025 Lake Tahoe is fishing well this week
Lake Tahoe is fishing well this week with... more »
Mountain Hardware & Sports
6-14-2025 Awesome day out on the lake today
We had an awesome day out on the... more »
Robert Varik
6-13-2025 Tahoe Fishing Report – Another Great Day on the Water!
It was another fantastic day out on Tahoe!... more »
Robert Varik

Detailed Map