Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Lake Tahoe (Complete Guide)

Lake Tahoe offers some of the best fishing in the Sierra Nevada range. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Lake Tahoe are during the spring, summer, and fall months, from May to October when the water is warmer, and fish are more active, providing better opportunities for catching species such as lake trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon.

Month	Lake Tahoe Fishing Location
January	Truckee River – Near the town of Truckee, the Truckee River provides opportunities for winter fishing, with trout such as rainbow and brown trout being the main targets.
February	North Lake Tahoe – The northern portion of Lake Tahoe offers opportunities for a variety of species, including lake trout and kokanee salmon.
March	North Lake Tahoe – The northern portion of Lake Tahoe offers opportunities for various species, including lake trout and kokanee salmon.
April	West Shore – The West Shore of Lake Tahoe becomes productive in April, with spots like Sugar Pine Point State Park offering chances to catch lake trout and smallmouth bass.
May	Emerald Bay – The scenic Emerald Bay is a hotspot in May, with good chances to catch kokanee salmon and Lake Trout.
June	Homewood – The waters near Homewood are great for fishing in June, targeting species such as rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass.
July	Sand Harbor – Sand Harbor provides excellent fishing opportunities in July, with species like rainbow trout and kokanee salmon being commonly caught.
August	Meeks Bay – August is a prime time for fishing at Meeks Bay, where anglers can target Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and brown trout.
September	Kings Beach – The waters near Kings Beach become productive in September, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout and kokanee salmon.
October	Secret Harbor – October is a good time to fish at Secret Harbor, with species such as brown trout and rainbow trout being the main targets.
November	Incline Village – Fishing near Incline Village is productive in November, with chances to catch species like Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and brown trout.
December	Tahoe Keys – December brings winter fishing opportunities at Tahoe Keys, where anglers can target species such as rainbow trout and brown trout.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Lake Tahoe. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish near Lake Tahoe

Truckee River – Best Months: January to December, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Taylor Creek – Best Months: June to September, Target: Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout.

Upper Truckee River – Best Months: May to November, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Fallen Leaf Lake Creek – Best Months: May to September, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Blackwood Creek – Best Months: May to October, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Cold Creek – Best Months: June to September, Target: Rainbow Trout.

General Creek – Best Months: May to October, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Ward Creek – Best Months: May to November, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Trout Creek – Best Months: May to September, Target: Rainbow Trout.

Meeks Creek – Best Months: May to September, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Secret Creek – Best Months: May to October, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Incline Creek – Best Months: May to November, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Third Creek – Best Months: May to October, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Hobart Creek – Best Months: May to November, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Blackwood Canyon Creek – Best Months: May to October, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

McKinney Creek – Best Months: May to September, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Ward Creek Inlet – Best Months: May to November, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Tahoe City Dam Outlet – Best Months: May to October, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Rubicon River – Best Months: May to November, Target: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout.

Trout Creek Inlet – Best Months: May to September, Target: Rainbow Trout.

Best Times: Lake Fishing in Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Kokanee Salmon.

Sand Harbor – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Rubicon Point – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Fannette Island – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Tahoe City Reef – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Brown Trout.

Skunk Harbor – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Dollar Point – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Sugar Pine Point – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Smallmouth Bass.

Cave Rock – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Calawee Cove – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Meeks Bay – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Brown Trout.

D.L. Bliss State Park – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Tahoe Keys – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Sand Harbor State Park – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Secret Harbor – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Agate Bay – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Tahe Vista Recreation Area – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Rubicon Beach – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Zephyr Cove – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Glenbrook Bay – Best Months: May to October, Target: Mackinaw (Lake Trout), Rainbow Trout.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Lake Tahoe

These Lake Tahoe-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Three D Fishing	Glenbrook, NV
Tahoe Trophy Trout	South Lake Tahoe, CA

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout

The Lahontan cutthroat trout is not typically found in Lake Tahoe, but it can be found in some nearby waters, such as Pyramid Lake in Nevada. The best times to fish for Lahontan cutthroat trout are during the cooler spring and fall months, and early morning or late afternoon are good times to fish. Popular locations for fishing Lahontan cutthroat trout near Lake Tahoe include Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River, and Walker Lake.

Brown Trout

The best times to fish for brown trout near Lake Tahoe are spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler. Early morning or late afternoon are good times to go fishing. Some popular locations for fishing brown trout near Lake Tahoe include the Truckee River, the East Walker River, the Little Truckee River, and the Carson River.

Rainbow Trout

The best times to fish for rainbow trout near Lake Tahoe are spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler. Early morning or late afternoon are good times to go fishing. Some popular locations for fishing rainbow trout near Lake Tahoe include the Truckee River, the Little Truckee River, the East Carson River, and the Upper Truckee River.

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee salmon can be found near Lake Tahoe during the summer months. The best times to fish for kokanee are typically from June to September. Anglers have good chances of catching kokanee salmon during early morning or late afternoon. Some popular locations for fishing kokanee near Lake Tahoe include Emerald Bay, Sand Harbor, and Cave Rock.

Lake Trout

The best times to fish for lake trout near Lake Tahoe are spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler. Early morning or late afternoon are good times to go fishing. Some popular locations for fishing lake trout near Lake Tahoe include Emerald Bay, Cave Rock, Sand Harbor, and Meeks Bay.

Brook Trout

Brook trout can be found near Lake Tahoe in certain waters, such as the West Carson River and the Upper Truckee River. The best times to fish for brook trout are typically during the spring and fall months, and early morning or late afternoon are good times to try. Other potential locations for brook trout fishing near Lake Tahoe include the Little Truckee River and the East Carson River.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass can be found near Lake Tahoe in certain waters, such as the Carson River and the Walker River. The best times to fish for smallmouth bass are typically during spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. Early morning or late afternoon are good times to go fishing. Other potential locations for smallmouth bass fishing near Lake Tahoe include Donner Lake and Stampede Reservoir.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in California. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of Oregon’s best times to fish. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish on Oregon’s coast.

Best Fishing in and near Lake Tahoe on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

• Cave Rock: In the winter, Cave Rock near Lake Tahoe offers opportunities to catch Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Rainbow Trout, making it a popular fishing spot.
• Tahoe City Dam Outlet: Located within a 5-mile radius of Lake Tahoe, it is known for its winter fishing, with chances to catch Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Rainbow Trout.
• Sand Harbor: Sand Harbor is another great location near Lake Tahoe for winter fishing, with opportunities to catch Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Rainbow Trout.
• Meeks Bay: Meeks Bay is a favorite spot within 5 miles of Lake Tahoe for winter fishing, with chances to catch Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Brown Trout.

Spring

• Truckee River: In the spring, the Truckee River near Lake Tahoe offers opportunities to catch Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, which are abundant in this season.
• Emerald Bay: Located within a 5-mile radius of Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay is a popular spot in the spring for fishing Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Rainbow Trout.
• Tahoe City Dam Outlet: This location near Lake Tahoe is known for its spring fishing, with chances to catch Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Rainbow Trout.
• Fallen Leaf Lake: Fallen Leaf Lake, within a 5-mile radius of Lake Tahoe, is a great spot in the spring to target Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout, making it a favorite among anglers.

Summer

• Sand Harbor: In the summer, Sand Harbor is a great spot within a 5-mile radius of Lake Tahoe to catch Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Rainbow Trout.
• Cave Rock: Located near Lake Tahoe, Cave Rock offers opportunities to fish for Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Kokanee Salmon during the summer months.
• Tahoe City Dam Outlet: This location near Lake Tahoe is popular for summer fishing, with chances to catch Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Rainbow Trout.
• Meeks Bay: Meeks Bay is another favorite spot within 5 miles of Lake Tahoe for summer fishing, with chances to catch Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Brown Trout.

Fall

• Cave Rock: In the fall, Cave Rock offers opportunities to catch Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Kokanee Salmon, which are popular gamefish in Lake Tahoe.
• Eagle Point: Located within a 5-mile radius of Lake Tahoe, Eagle Point is known for its fall fishing for Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Rainbow Trout.
• Meeks Bay: Meeks Bay is a great spot to target Mackinaw (Lake Trout) and Brown Trout during the fall months near Lake Tahoe.
• Sand Harbor: Sand Harbor is another popular location within 5 miles of Lake Tahoe, where anglers can try their luck at catching Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout in the fall season.