As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene at Lake Tahoe is vibrant despite the cooling autumn weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

The weather is crisp, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit. Sunrise today is at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:45 PM. The clear skies and mild winds make for ideal fishing conditions.

Since Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake, there are no significant tidal changes to worry about. The water temperatures are perfect for fall fishing, with clear and calm conditions prevailing.

Fish activity has been heating up as the water temperature drops. Yesterday saw a good number of rainbow and brown trout being caught. The southwest area of the lake has been particularly productive, with anglers reporting catches of Kokanee salmon up to 16-18 inches, which is above the usual size range for this time of year. Mackinaw trout, though less consistent, are still being caught, especially around the north and west shores.

For Kokanee salmon, focus on depths of 55-75 feet in the southwest area. Rainbow and brown trout are active in deeper waters but also congregate closer to rocky shores with lots of cover.

In terms of lures and bait, for trout, using lures that mimic their natural prey such as small jigs, spoons, and flies can be effective. For Kokanee salmon, try using small dodgers with hoochies or spinners. Live bait like nightcrawlers and minnows can also be successful for trout.

Hot spots include the southwest area of the lake for Kokanee salmon and the north and west shores for Mackinaw trout. The Tahoe Keys area is also worth a visit if you're targeting Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, which prefer warmer, shallow waters around underwater vegetation and rocks.

Overall, Lake Tahoe is offering some excellent fishing opportunities this fall, so make sure to get out there and take advantage of the ideal conditions.