The Lake Tahoe area is a popular fishing spot. The crystal clear waters of the lake are teeming with a variety of fish, and the nearby rivers and tributaries in the surrounding areas also feature great fishing opportunities. Lake Tahoe itself is a large lake, spanning 22 miles long, 12 miles wide, and 72 miles around. This lake is home to mackinaw and kokanee salmon, as well as a variety of others. Fishing is permitted year-round in the lake, but is only allowed in spring and fall months in the tributaries. You are also not permitted to fish within 300 feet of a tributary on Lake Tahoe itself.
Fallen Leaf Lake is another popular lake for fishing, and is located just 30 miles south of Tahoe City. This lake offers boat rentals on-site, as well as bait, tackle, gas, and grocery facilities nearby. You can fish in this lake for rainbow, brown, and mackinaw trout. However, note that fishing within 250 feet of the dam is not permitted.
If you're bringing kids to the area, Saw Mill Ponds is the place to go for great fishing. This fishing hot spot is located in South Lake Tahoe and is a trout fishing pond open for those 14 years of age and younger. With a convenient location right in the heart of the city, you will have an easy and convenient way to show the kids the fishing ropes at Saw Mill Ponds.
Both California and Nevada require fishing licenses. Fishing licenses are available in both states for short term periods as little as one day up to annual licenses, making it affordable to find the right fishing license for how frequently you plan to fish in the area. Licenses can be bought at numerous locations throughout both sides of the state line, including sporting goods stores, drug stores, bait and tackle shops, and others.
While it's certainly not illegal to fish on the lake when the surface is as smooth as glass, a surface ripple on the lake under these conditions can scare the fish and will also make it difficult for you to see the surface below. You can expect to get better results fishing for certain types of fish during different seasons. In early summer, brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, and golden trout are abundant. In the cooler fall months, rainbow trout can be found. Mackinaw are caught year-round in the area. Most locals recommend a fishing guide if you plan to topline or shore fish for mackinaw, as they can be tricky to catch.
With the area's scenic beauty and abundant fishing opportunities, the Tahoe area is a great fishing spot for everyone from the beginning fisherman to the expert!
