Fall Fishing in Lake Tahoe: A Beginner’s Guide

Lake Tahoe is a great place to fish in the fall. From September to November, the lake offers many chances to catch different kinds of fish. The weather is cooler, the crowds are smaller, and the fish are more active. This guide will help you plan your fall fishing trip to Lake Tahoe.

Best Time to Fish

The best time for fall fishing in Lake Tahoe is from September to November. During these months, the water starts to cool down, and fish become more active. They move to different parts of the lake, making them easier to catch.

• Early Fall (September): Fish are still in shallow waters. It’s a good time for fishing near the shore.
• Mid-Fall (October): Fish start moving to deeper waters. Boat fishing becomes more effective.
• Late Fall (November): Most fish are in deep waters. It’s the best time for catching large Mackinaw trout.

Target Species

Lake Tahoe is home to several types of fish that are great to catch in the fall:

1. Mackinaw Trout: These are big fish that live in deep water. They can weigh up to 30 pounds.
2. Rainbow Trout: These colorful fish are common in Lake Tahoe. They’re fun to catch and good to eat.
3. Brown Trout: These fish are harder to catch but offer a good challenge for experienced anglers.
4. Kokanee Salmon: These are smaller salmon that are very tasty. They’re most active in early fall.

Popular Fishing Techniques

There are three main ways to fish in Lake Tahoe during fall:

Trolling with Downriggers

• This means pulling fishing lines behind a boat.
• Downriggers help you fish in deep water.
• It’s good for catching Mackinaw trout and other fish in deep areas.

Jigging in Deeper Waters

• Jigging is moving your fishing rod up and down to make the lure dance.
• It works well in deep water for Mackinaw trout.
• You can do this from a boat that isn’t moving.

Shore Fishing

• This is fishing from the land around the lake.
• It’s good for catching rainbow trout and sometimes brown trout.
• You can use different types of bait or lures.

Best Fishing Locations

Lake Tahoe offers several excellent spots for fall fishing. Each location has its own unique features and types of fish you can catch. Here’s a detailed look at some of the best fishing spots:

Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay is one of the most beautiful places in Lake Tahoe. It’s also great for fishing:

• The bay is shaped like a long, narrow inlet, with deep water and steep sides.
• The water here is usually calm, making it easy to fish from a boat.
• Trolling is very effective in Emerald Bay. You can catch different types of trout this way.
• The best spots are often near the mouth of the bay where it meets the main lake.
• Early morning and late evening are usually the best times to fish here.
• You might catch rainbow trout, brown trout, and sometimes even Mackinaw trout.

Cave Rock

Cave Rock is on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. It’s known for its deep-water fishing:

• The water near Cave Rock gets very deep very quickly.
• This spot is excellent for catching Mackinaw trout, which like deep, cold water.
• Jigging is a popular technique here. You can drop your line straight down into the deep water.
• Boat fishing is the best way to fish at Cave Rock.
• The fall is a great time to fish here because the Mackinaw trout often move to slightly shallower waters.
• You might also catch some big rainbow trout or brown trout.

Tahoe Keys

Tahoe Keys is a unique area with many small channels and lagoons:

• This area is on the California side of the lake, near the town of South Lake Tahoe.
• The Tahoe Keys are man-made and connect to the main lake.
• This spot is great for shore fishing because there are many places to access the water.
• The water here is usually warmer than the main lake, which attracts different fish.
• Rainbow trout are common here, especially in the fall.
• You might also catch some smaller Mackinaw trout or brown trout.
• Fishing with bait from the shore works well here.

Zephyr Cove

Zephyr Cove is popular for both shore fishing and boat fishing:

• This cove is on the Nevada side of the lake, not far from the California border.
• The cove has a long, sandy beach that’s great for shore fishing.
• There’s also deeper water accessible by boat, where you can troll or jig.
• Early morning fishing is often the best at Zephyr Cove.
• You can catch a variety of fish here, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and sometimes Mackinaw trout.
• In the fall, kokanee salmon sometimes come close to shore and can be caught here.

Fishing Regulations

Before you go fishing in Lake Tahoe, remember these important rules:

Fishing License

• You need a valid fishing license from either California or Nevada.
• You can buy these online or at local sporting goods stores.

Special Rules

• There might be special rules about how many fish you can catch.
• Some areas might have rules about what kind of hooks or bait you can use.
• Always check the current rules before you go fishing.