How to Fish Lake Tahoe
The most effective bait on Tahoe tends to be live bait. Some anglers do believe flat fish, J-Plugs and Repalas can be equally effective.
There are a few locations that catch fish from shore. Areas like the Tahoe Keys, Cave Rock, South Lake Tahoe and Kings Beach offer good chances of catching fish.
To enjoy the best fishing trip Lake Tahoe has to offer, we recommend booking a Lake Tahoe fishing charter with Nor-Cal Charters.
What to Expect
We strongly recommend dressing in layers. Due to our location in the beautiful Sierra Mountains, we experience a significant difference in the morning temperatures versus the afternoon temperatures. The best way to stay warm in the morning and comfortable in the afternoon is to have at least three layers.
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are a must on Lake Tahoe when fishing. Even if the weather is calling for a cloudy day, you can still get sunburned. We provide a light snack (donuts/Danishes or chips) on our boat. However, if you’re a big breakfast or lunch eater we recommend bringing additional food to hold you over until you can get home and cook your fish.
Sea-sickness is rarely a problem due to our typical 3-inch waves. As always, we recommend that our clients come out fishing well-rested and feeling great!
Lastly and most importantly, bring a camera with fully charged battery (or film) to be able to show your friends how much fun you had fishing Lake Tahoe with us.
Here at Nor-Cal Charters we want to ensure you have the most memorable and best fishing trip possible. After years of being Lake Tahoe fishing guides and regularly going on fishing charters around the country, we have gathered some suggestions for making your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
F.A.Q.
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- Bring a current California or Nevada Fishing License.
- Food/drinks
- Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses
- Jacket
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- Morning trips- please arrive 10 minutes before your departure time
- Afternoon trips- due to limited parking, please arrive 30 minutes before your departure time
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- We depart from Roundhill Pines Resort located at 300 US HW 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448
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- The Professor can accommodate up to 12 customers
- The Upside is able to accommodate up to 6 passengers
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- Yes, per the Coast Guard kids regardless of age count as people.
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- We encourage fishing for people of all ages and trust parents discretion regarding their child and if they will enjoy being on a boat.
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- We target species we feel we will have the best success with. Usually this is Mackinaw in the Winter and Kokanee Salmon in the Summer.
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- Anglers are allowed to keep up to 5 fish per day.
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- Yes, please let your captain know.
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- This is a very rare occurrence on our boat.
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- Trips canceled by our crew at any time due to weather or unforeseen circumstances will be a full refund. Trips canceled by clients prior to 24 hours period receive a full refund. Trips canceled within 24 hours are subject to a cancelation fee.
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- Yes, but we have limited space and ask that you bring a cooler that is reasonably sized.
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- Yes, but we use specialized equipment and include gear for not extra charge. We encourage guest to use our gear.
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- No- but we will do everything we can to maximize your chances. During the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons our boat has been skunked once per year.
- Catching depends on several things out of our control such as time of year, weather, moon cycles, fishing behavior and ecological changes. Please come with realistic expectations and a willingness to have fun.
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- Your fish will be cleaned and bagged
- Fish can be taken to a number of local restaurants to be cooked.
- You captain and crew may also have cooking recommendations if you ask.
Fishing License
To purchase a California fishing license, please visit the Fish & Wildlife online sales website.
Having Your Fish Cooked
Located just a short drive from the Heavenly Mountain gondola, MacDuff’s offers a wide selection of traditional pub fare made from only the highest quality ingredients as well as freshly-made pizzas from our wood-fired oven. Whether you’re in the mood for a quality meal or just some drinks after a day of skiing, be sure to visit MacDuff’s Public House.
Lake Tahoe Fish Species
Lake Trout (Mackinaw)
The most prominent fish in the lake is the mackinaw (lake trout). They can be found in almost any depths, but usually enjoy steep sandy shelfs between 120 and 300 feet. Lake Tahoe also has Rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and silver trout. Limit is 5 per angler and no more then two can be mackinaw.
Kokanee Salmon
The Kokanee salmon is a land locked silver salmon. They living in the lake and run up Taylor Creek after 4 years to spawn. they can be caught jigging or trolling and the limit is 5 per person.
Others
The remaining fish in the Lake are limited to bays or estuaries such as the Tahoe Keys: Bass, Crapie, bluegill, Mountain Whitefish, Minnows, Goldfish, Catfish, Sculpin and Crawfish.