Episodios

  • Tahoe Trout and Mackinaw on the Bite - Ideal Conditions for Anglers on Lake Tahoe

    Tahoe Trout and Mackinaw on the Bite - Ideal Conditions for Anglers on Lake Tahoe
    May 21 2025
    Artificial Lure reporting from the shores of Lake Tahoe on this bright May 21, 2025 morning. The sun rose at 5:41 AM and will set tonight at 8:15 PM, giving anglers a full, long day to get lines in the water. The weather is clear and mild, starting cool in the low 40s but warming into the upper 60s by the afternoon. Winds are expected to be light, keeping the water calm and perfect for casting from both shore and boat.

    Lake Tahoe itself doesn’t have significant tides, but water levels are high this spring thanks to a solid snowpack. This means easy boat launching and good access in the shallows and around drop-offs. The Truckee River, flowing out of Tahoe, is running full and clear, which keeps the lake water moving and comfortable for trout activity[3].

    Fishing has picked up in recent days. Anglers are reporting regular catches of Mackinaw (lake trout) in the 3 to 8 pound range, especially early in the morning before the sun is high. Rainbows and browns have also been active, with some holdover rainbows pushing 20 inches being caught near creek mouths. Kokanee salmon schools are showing up deeper as the water warms, but the bite is spotty; persistence pays off.

    Best lures right now are large silver and blue spoons for Mackinaw, trolled deep at 80 to 120 feet. Jigging white tube jigs or swimbaits tipped with sucker meat is productive as well. For rainbows and browns, try casting small Kastmasters, Panther Martin spinners, or drifting nightcrawlers under a slip bobber near the mouths of Taylor Creek or the Upper Truckee River inlet. Fly anglers are having luck with Woolly Buggers and olive leech patterns, especially in the evenings.

    Bait anglers are doing well with threaded nightcrawlers fished off the bottom, and for those targeting Kokanee, try pink hoochies behind dodgers tipped with corn. Remember, California and Nevada fishing licenses are both valid on Tahoe, but regulations require you to carry one if you’re 16 or older[5].

    A couple of hot spots to try today: the shelf drop-off near Cave Rock for Mackinaw, especially at first light, and the mouth of Emerald Bay for rainbows and browns cruising for food on the shoals. Shore anglers should focus on the beaches near Tahoe City and Kings Beach where trout are pushing in close in the mornings and evenings.

    Fish safe, enjoy the spring scenery, and remember to check all current regulations before heading out. Tight lines from Artificial Lure, and good luck on the water today!
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    3 m
  • Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Mackinaw Madness, Trophy Trout, and Kokanee Crush

    Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Mackinaw Madness, Trophy Trout, and Kokanee Crush
    May 19 2025
    Howdy there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Monday morning fishing report for May 19, 2025, around beautiful Lake Tahoe!

    Spring runoff is in full swing, and the trout are responding with some excellent feeding activity. The water clarity is absolutely phenomenal right now - locals are saying it's the best they've seen in decades, with that classic Tahoe glass-clear appearance.

    The big news continues to be the Mackinaw bite. Anglers have been landing limits of these lake trout, with some monsters in the 15+ pound range being caught just last week. Jason over at Cave Rock has been doing particularly well, and that whole stretch from Cave Rock to Logan Shoals is producing nicely.

    Browns are also in the mix, with a remarkable 10.25-pounder caught and released recently - a double-digit brown in Tahoe is quite the accomplishment! Keep an eye out for these trophy fish.

    Kokanee action has been heating up too. While Tahoe typically gives up Kokes around 14 inches, this season we're seeing some impressive 16-18 inchers, particularly in the southwest area of the lake at depths between 55-75 feet.

    For tackle, flashers with worms have been the go-to for many anglers, but I personally prefer using small Cowbells in gold and silver - they create less drag for a better fight when you hook up. Rapalas have also been productive both on top and down deep. The key is to keep changing patterns and sizes until you find what's working that day.

    Hot spots today include the stretch from Cave Rock to Logan Shoals for Mackinaw, and the southwest area for those bigger Kokanee. If you're looking to get away from the crowds (and yes, weekends have been busy), try the north and west shores for more sporadic but still rewarding Mackinaw action.

    The weather today is typical May - we'll see some sunny periods mixed with possible afternoon thunderstorms. That's just Tahoe spring weather for you! Get out early to avoid both the crowds and the afternoon wind.

    There's some concern about the low flows out of Taylor Creek potentially affecting the spawn for another year, which could impact future fish numbers. All the more reason to practice catch and release with those trophy fish.

    Whatever you target, the fishing is good to excellent right now. Good luck out there, and as always, tight lines to you all!
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    3 m
  • Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Spring Runoff, Trout Feeding, and Hot Spots for May 2025

    Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Spring Runoff, Trout Feeding, and Hot Spots for May 2025
    May 18 2025
    Howdy anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Sunday morning fishing report for May 18, 2025, around beautiful Lake Tahoe!

    The spring runoff is in full swing, folks! Current flows on the Truckee are running about 400 CFS through town and pushing 1000 CFS near Farad. That's a bit high but still fishable if you know where to look. Water's clear in the morning but gets a touch murky by afternoon as the day warms up.

    Water temps are sitting in the low 50s now, and that's got the fish more active than we've seen in weeks. The trout are starting to move out of their winter holding patterns and are becoming more aggressive. They're mainly hanging in deeper pools, tailouts, and those slower seams where they can conserve energy but still grab a meal.

    Hatches are picking up nicely! We're seeing good numbers of Blue Winged Olives, and the March Browns are finally showing up. PMDs should be popping any day now. If you're nymphing, go with a longer leader (12-15 feet) and use heavier anchor flies to get down in that faster water. For you streamer junkies, olive and black patterns are producing early and late in the day.

    Been hearing good reports from Emerald Bay where anglers are hooking into some nice Mackinaw and Rainbow Trout. The middle of the lake is also hot right now if you're looking for those bigger Macks. Don't forget about Zephyr Cove – trolling there on a breezy day like today could fill your cooler quick.

    The Truckee River is fishing surprisingly well despite the higher flows. Focus on that stretch where the river flows out of Lake Tahoe for some killer fly fishing. And if you're up north, Donner Lake has been giving up some jumbo Macks and a decent number of Rainbows.

    Best baits right now are small jigs and spoons if you're spin fishing. Work them slow and tight to structure. Fly anglers, stick with those nymphs I mentioned, or try swinging a leech pattern through deeper runs.

    Remember, we're heading toward the end of May when the bite typically turns around fast. Any day now, it'll be "game on" as the fish settle into their summertime patterns.

    Sunrise was at 5:41 this morning, and sunset's coming at 8:17 tonight, giving you plenty of daylight to get out there and bend a rod!

    Tight lines, folks! This is Artificial Lure signing off – see ya on the water!
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    3 m
  • "Tahoe Trout and Bass Bonanza: A Springtime Fishing Report from Lake Tahoe"

    "Tahoe Trout and Bass Bonanza: A Springtime Fishing Report from Lake Tahoe"
    May 17 2025
    Artificial Lure here, reporting from beautiful Lake Tahoe on this cool May morning, May 17, 2025. The sun peeked up today just after 5:45 AM and will set around 8:10 PM, so you’ve got a generous window to wet a line and chase those bites. Weather-wise, we’re shaping up for a classic Tahoe spring day: crisp and clear in the early hours, warming up as the afternoon rolls in. Winds are expected to stay moderate, so it should be comfortable out on the water or casting from shore.

    Fishing activity has been good to fair lately. Mackinaw trout continue to headline the action, with limits reported by anglers trolling deeper water off the South Shore and around the Cave Rock area. Some have even landed a couple of brown trout mixed in among the macks. Rainbow trout are making their presence known in the shallows, and the bite picks up especially during the early morning chill and the evening golden hour. For the bass crowd, Tahoe Keys is waking up nicely as water temps creep up—expect active largemouth and smallmouth bass, especially around pockets of underwater vegetation and near docks and rocks. The Keys is a solid hotspot this week for those looking to mix things up beyond trout.

    Reports from the last few days show consistent catches of Mackinaw (averaging 3 to 7 pounds), a scattering of rainbows around 2 to 4 pounds, and small browns. The bass in the Keys are ranging from 2 to 5 pounds, with both largemouth and smallmouth eager to hit moving baits.

    For lures, you can’t go wrong trolling classic spoons, like silver or gold Thomas Buoyants, or running Rapalas in blue/silver or darker trout patterns for macks and browns. Jigging with white or chartreuse tubes over deeper structure is also producing. Rainbows are taking small spinners, Panther Martins, and live nightcrawlers drifted near drop-offs. If you’re after bass, soft plastics in green pumpkin and dark craw or shad imitations are working, along with spinnerbaits and small crankbaits mimicking baitfish.

    Hot spots this week are:
    1. South Shore drop-offs, both for Mackinaw and browns—best early, around 50 to 120 feet deep.
    2. Tahoe Keys for bass—hit it late morning as things warm up, casting near docks and reeds.
    3. Cave Rock and Zephyr Cove for rainbows, especially with live bait or drifting worms.

    No tidal activity to worry about here, but watch the wind, as weather can turn quickly in the high country. Overall, fishing is on the upswing as the lake settles into spring. Tight lines and good luck out there—this is Artificial Lure, hoping your next cast is the one that bends the rod all the way to the handle.

    Recent catches are rolling in strong and it’s a perfect time to hit the water—see you out there.
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    3 m
  • Lake Tahoe Fishing Report - May 16, 2025: Macks, Kokanee, and More on the Menu

    Lake Tahoe Fishing Report - May 16, 2025: Macks, Kokanee, and More on the Menu
    May 16 2025
    Howdy there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Tahoe fishing report for this beautiful Friday morning, May 16th, 2025.

    Folks, the fishing has been good to fair on Lake Tahoe this past week. I've been getting reports that Jason's been having some real nice luck, pulling in limits of mackinaws and even a few browns. If you're heading out today, your best bet is to try the stretch from Cave Rock up to the north shore.

    The weather's shaping up nicely today with temperatures expected to climb into the mid-60s by afternoon. We've got clear skies overhead with just a light southwest breeze that'll pick up a bit around midday – pretty much perfect fishing conditions if you ask me!

    The Kokanee action has been heating up something fierce as we push deeper into May. Anglers have been averaging about 3-5 fish per rod, with most catches coming from depths between 50 to 75 feet. Wedding rings behind a Tahoe Trolling Flasher have been working wonders for these fellas. You can snag those at Tahoe Bait and Tackle if you're in need.

    Mackinaw fishing continues to be productive, especially in the early morning hours. Several nice catches reported recently, with some real beauties in the 14-20 pound range being pulled in over the past year or so. If you're targeting these lake trout, try deeper waters and don't be afraid to mix up your presentation.

    For those looking to try their luck elsewhere, Topaz Lake has been good when the wind isn't kickin' up. Most folks there are using flashers and worms, but I prefer small Cowbells in gold and silver – they create less drag for a better fight. Rapalas have been productive both on top and down deep.

    If you're willing to make the drive, Bridgeport Reservoir has been absolutely on fire the last couple weeks. Rainbows from 2 to 6 pounds have been coming out. Many anglers are boating over to Rainbow Point and bait fishing with nightcrawlers, while others are trolling Rapalas or Thomas Buoyant spoons for the larger fish.

    Hot spots for today: I'd recommend focusing on the Cave Rock area for mackinaws, or if you're after Kokanee, try the waters off Tahoe City. The south shore has also been producing some nice catches lately for those willing to go a bit deeper.

    Sunrise today was around 5:45 AM and we'll see the sun dip below the mountains about 8:15 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get your lines wet. No tidal concerns here on our beautiful mountain lake!

    Good fishin' and tight lines to ya! This is Artificial Lure, signing off until tomorrow.
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    3 m
  • Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Kokanee Salmon, Mackinaw, and Trout Bite Hot as Spring Warms the Waters

    Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Kokanee Salmon, Mackinaw, and Trout Bite Hot as Spring Warms the Waters
    May 14 2025
    Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your latest Lake Tahoe fishing report for Wednesday, May 14, 2025. We could not ask for a better spring day out on the lake. The water is warming up and the fishing action is heating up right along with it.

    Weather today features beautiful clear skies and calm conditions through the morning, with a subtle southwest breeze expected to pick up around midday. Afternoon highs are set to climb into the mid-60s, making it near perfect for spending time on the water. Sunrise was just before 5:45 AM and sunset will be around 8:08 PM, so there is plenty of daylight to work those hot spots[1].

    Tidal action is minimal on Tahoe since it is a freshwater mountain lake, but these clear, stable spring days mean the fish are active. Kokanee salmon have been the stars this past week, with most anglers reporting 3 to 5 fish per rod, especially between 50 and 75 feet deep[1][3]. The go-to presentation remains the classic wedding ring spinner behind a Tahoe Trolling Flasher. If you are running low, Tahoe Bait and Tackle has you covered.

    Mackinaw—or lake trout—are still biting well, especially in deeper water during the early morning. Several impressive catches have come in the last few days, and big ones are not out of the question—recent years have seen fish up to 20 pounds[2]. Try jigging white tubes or running large spoons and plugs along drop-offs first thing in the morning. By late morning, switch up to trolling for best results.

    Brown trout and rainbows are still a possibility near the shorelines and creek mouths, particularly as the sun rises and before the lake gets busy[2][5]. Small minnow plugs, spoons, or drifting nightcrawlers can tempt a trophy.

    As for baits—nightcrawlers and minnows are classic choices that have been working consistently for trout. For those chasing Kokanee, scented corn on your spinners is a must.

    Hot spots today include the Tahoe City shelf and the waters off Cave Rock. In the deeper east shore, try the area around Carnelian Bay for Mackinaw. If you are targeting Kokanee, work the deep channels off South Shore in the morning, then move north as the sun gets higher[1][3].

    That wraps up the morning report. With the lake so active and the weather cooperating, now is the time to get out there. Tight lines and good luck!
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    3 m
  • Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Kokanee, Mackinaw, Trout Action Heating Up

    Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Kokanee, Mackinaw, Trout Action Heating Up
    May 12 2025
    Howdy there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Lake Tahoe fishing report for Monday, May 12th, 2025.

    We're looking at another gorgeous day on the big blue. The water's warming up nicely as we push deeper into May, which has those fish getting more active by the day. Temperatures should climb into the high 60s by afternoon with light winds from the southwest picking up around midday – just perfect for a day on the water.

    The Kokanee action has been heating up something fierce this past week. Folks have been averaging about 3-5 fish per rod, with most catches coming at depths between 50 to 75 feet. Wedding rings behind a Tahoe Trolling Flasher are still the hot ticket – you can grab those at Tahoe Bait and Tackle if you're running low.

    Mackinaw fishing remains solid, especially if you're out early. Several nice catches were reported last week, with some real beauties in the mix. If you're chasing these lake trout, work the deeper waters and don't be afraid to mix up your presentation a bit.

    Rainbow and brown trout are biting both deep and shallow, depending on the time of day. Charter captains have been reporting good success in the early mornings and late afternoons when the light's not so harsh.

    Water temperatures are holding steady in the high 40s, which has been keeping the trout nice and active. Clarity is excellent right now – you can see down a good 20 feet in most spots.

    For you shore anglers, try PowerBait or night crawlers near the dam areas. If you're trolling, flashers with small Rapalas have been producing consistently.

    As for hot spots, the east shore has been particularly productive for Mackinaw, especially off the deeper points. For Kokanee, focus on the main body of the lake, particularly near the dam. The west side inlets are firing up for rainbow action too.

    Sunrise today was at 5:52 AM, with sunset coming at 7:56 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to get those lines wet.

    No tidal report needed for our mountain lake, of course – that's one less thing to worry about up here at elevation!

    Remember, a light touch and patience are your best tools on Tahoe. The fish are there, but they can be finicky with our crystal-clear waters.

    That's all for today's report. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and bent rods to ya until next time!
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    3 m
  • Tahoe Fishing Report: Kokanee and Mackinaw Bite Strong as Summer Approaches

    Tahoe Fishing Report: Kokanee and Mackinaw Bite Strong as Summer Approaches
    May 11 2025
    Morning folks, Artificial Lure here with your Lake Tahoe fishing report for Sunday, May 11th, 2025. We’re rolling into mid-May with picture-perfect conditions and some of the most active fish of the season.

    Today’s weather is about as good as it gets – clear skies, a gentle southwest breeze picking up around midday, and afternoon highs in the mid-60s. Sunrise came at 5:47 AM with sunset expected at 8:07 PM, giving you a long stretch of daylight to get after those bites.

    With the water warming up, both Kokanee salmon and Mackinaw trout are firing. Reports from the past few days put Kokanee catches at about 3-5 fish per rod, with most coming in at 50 to 75 feet down. Wedding rings behind a Tahoe Trolling Flasher are the go-to setup right now – you can swing by Tahoe Bait and Tackle and grab everything you need. Don’t forget a little white corn on those wedding rings for extra appeal to the kokanee. If you’re trolling, keep your speed around 1.2 to 1.5 mph for best results.

    The Mackinaw are holding deeper, but the bite is steady if you hit them early or stick to overcast moments. Large spoons, tube jigs tipped with sucker meat, or even the classic Flatfish lure are producing nice fish, especially along the drop-offs near Cal Neva Point and around Dollar Point.

    If you’re thinking about the rivers, the Truckee and Little Truckee are both running well. Flows are up, and nymphing with stonefly and mayfly patterns is working, but you might find some dry fly action in the warmer afternoons [5]. Bring layers because spring weather at Tahoe can change in a snap.

    As far as hot spots go, the south end near Camp Richardson and Ski Run Marina is lighting up for kokanee, while the drop-offs around Dollar Point are producing bigger Mackinaw. Early bird gets the worm, so set those alarms and slide out before the wind picks up.

    No tidal swings up here, but the fish follow the light, so morning and late evening remain the magic hours. Pack your favorite gear, stay safe, and tight lines out there. If you’re near the water, today’s the day – you don’t want to miss it [1][3].
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    2 m
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