Lake Tahoe is a trout lovers paradise and the North Shore area provides plenty of angling opportunities. Don't worry if you're not a world-class fisherman, there are tour guides available for all skill levels. Fly fishermen may enjoy taking a lesson or two from the region's best guides. Whatever type of fishing, obtain the proper license before hitting the water.
Game
Mickey's Big Mac Charters targets rainbow and brown trout, which are two of the lakes biggest game fish. Other game found in Tahoe and its surrounding water bodies includes kingfish, brook trout, mackinaw and cutthroat. Kokanee salmon are also found in Lake Tahoe, according to the Boat Tahoe website. Kokanee are in the same family as trout and are found in the open areas of the lake.
Hot Spots
Some hot spots, according to GoTahoeNorth.com, include Boca Reservoir for rainbow, brook and brown, and Fallen Leaf Lake for mackinaw and rainbow trout. The Truckee River and the Live Truckee are great locations for all kinds of trout fishing, GoTahoeNorth.com reports. The Martis Reservoir is place to catch cutthroat; however, cutthroat is catch and release only as of fall 2010.
Charters
Mickey's Big Mac Lake Tahoe Fishing Charter and Tours is based out of Carnelian Bay in California near North Shore, Lake Tahoe. It commands a 43-foot sport fisher called Big Mac II. The boat is equipped with all the latest fishing technology and gear and has been on Lake Tahoe for 40 years. Captain Chris' fishing charters features a 25-foot Skip Jack boat that cruises the water of North Lake Tahoe for rainbow trout and mackinaw. Chris' charters last between four to six hours and include all necessary tackle. It is based out of the Tahoe City Marina.
Fly Fishing
Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters is a premier spot for hiring a fly-fishing guide for North Lake Tahoe and the surrounding creeks, streams and rivers. All of the guides here are trained, licensed and operate under permit from Tahoe National Forest. The company offers personalized classes for the beginner to the advanced fly fisherman in casting, tying and hooking that big one. Simple classes may last two to three hours, while guided tours can be half- or full-day excursions. The fee for these guided trips include boots, waders, rods and reels. Lunch is included in a full-day trip.
License Information
Anglers can fish Lake Tahoe with either a California fishing license or a Nevada fishing license. If you are a resident of either of these states, obtain a license from that state since it will be cheaper. Non-residents can take their pick; however, California licenses tend to be a bit pricier than Nevada licenses. Both states offer annual and short-term licenses, and Nevada has discounts for seniors and children. Bag limits, species stipulations and size requirements apply to many of the fish in Lake Tahoe and its surrounding fisheries.
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