Lake Tahoe is known for its beautiful view and deep cobalt color, and rich resources. Its clear waters and several fish inhabitants make it a popular spot for anglers. Additionally, lake trouts are a popular catch for those who go fishing. Although it is a dominant breed living in the lake, it can be quite difficult to snag one. But, there are valuable ways on how to catch trout in Lake Tahoe.
At Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake. It covers 192 square miles with a depth of 1,646 feet. In particular, one of the largest lake trout is caught here. No wonder it is a favored site for anglers.
You can take home the biggest trout despite being a newcomer to the fishing sport! As a matter of fact, the pointers here are beginner-friendly. They are also coupled with different fishing approaches. With this in mind, keep reading on how to catch trout in Lake Tahoe.
Tips on How to Catch Trout in Lake Tahoe
The first thing to remember is that your safety is a priority. It’s an essential point often overlooked. Your security should always come first before you go on a fishing trip. Thus, make it a habit to always check the weather and Lake Tahoe fishing reports online for a smooth sail. Also, it is important to know the fishing regulations at Lake Tahoe.
With that in mind, check out the following tips to help you catch any trout you like in Lake Tahoe:
Catch Different Trout in Lake Tahoe
You can find diverse kinds of trout in Lake Tahoe, but the most popular is the Rainbow trout. Listed below are tips for a specific trout in case you want to get each for the purposes of collecting:
Rainbow Trout – for toplining and inshore fishing, it would be best to use small lures. Also, these fishes are planted throughout the summer. (Best time: September through November and May)
Mackinaw (Lake Trout) – you can catch these fishes all year round. A deep line troll of at least 80 feet with large flashers can get you one. But, live minnows or nightcrawlers can also do the trick.
Golden Trout – just to point out, these fishes are rare and are only found in little remote but high elevation lakes. To catch these, use a small, colorful lure or worms on light trippets. (Best time: Spring and Summer)
Brook Trout – you can use small lures or worms, but dry flies work well too. These fish are also located in high elevation lakes and streams. (Best time: Summer)
Cutthroat Trout – for these fish, use topline troll with nightcrawlers or shore fish with salmon eggs or worms. (Best time: Spring and Summer)
Brown Trout – these trouts are located in the West end of Lake Tahoe, on the shallow areas along piers and rocky bottoms. To catch these fishes, use night crawlers or lures. (Best time: Summer)
Complete Gear and Equipment to Catch Trout in Lake Tahoe
You need to have the right set of gears and proper fishing equipment to catch trout in Lake Tahoe. Regardless if you are a beginner or professional, being ready for any possible situation is important. It is more fun to be well-prepared for your fishing trip so that you can enjoy doing the activity.
Having good groundwork before sailing also means bringing with you extra tools. You should haul in those baits, rods, reels, fishing lines, and other stuff for fishing in case of emergency.
For added information, here are the common lures to catch trout in Lake Tahoe:
- Critters and Bugs
- Soft Plastic Swimbaits
- Soft Plastic Worms
- Grubs or Tubes
- Crankbaits
- Salmon Eggs
- Spoons
- Powerbait
- Spinners
Check Your Boat
Ensure that your boat registration is up to date to enjoy fishing and catch trout in Lake Tahoe. By updating it, you are doing your civic duty to keep the other boaters safe. And you’re also protecting natural resources. Second, examine your boat by testing it on simple waters to see if it has holes or broken parts that need fixing. Then, after your fishing activity, always check to see if your boat is still intact.
After all, your boat is your best buddy in fishing.
Learn When to Move
To point out, fishes are not stagnant creatures. Hence, if you want to catch trout in Lake Tahoe, you surely need to know when to go. Since the lake is a vast area, trout will concentrate on different places at changing times.
Check the Temperature
If you know the right water temperature, then you are sure to catch that trout in Lake Tahoe. Trouts like to swarm in waters around 52 degrees or cooler. Additionally, lake trout are sensitive to environmental shifts like climate change.
Have Patience
Muster your will of waiting for the perfect catch if you are an impatient person. Professional anglers know the value of patience when fishing. Even if you have all the fishing means you need, you cannot catch a trout in Lake Tahoe without grit.
Fishing Techniques to Catch Trout in Lake Tahoe
If you are just starting out on fishing, practice your casting in the meantime. Once you get good at it, you are sure to catch even the biggest trout in Lake Tahoe! Above all, learn the basics as much as possible before you proceed with the complicated parts of fishing. But, if you think you have the hang of it or is already a professional, these techniques might be useful:
Use Spoons
These lures are good at attracting lake trout because of their slow and steady wobble action when towed slowly. It provides great flexibility for depth-targeting. It allows you to drop the bait right in the target zone.
Rig Well
Rigging is particularly important for two reasons. Having a strong, well-tied fishing knot will never break when you set the hook. And, certain knots swim your fly or lure in a way that mimics natural bait.
Use Depth Finders
By all means, you should take advantage of depth finders wherever you go fishing. Because these tools are a lifesaver. More so, this device signals you if you have found what you are looking for in the lake. Again, when you use a depth finder, you can drop the line on top of the trout right away. Doing it this way will increase your chances of catching it easily.
Here are the depths you need to remember by season:
- Between 30 and 50 feet (during early to mid-spring)
- Between 50-70 feet (late spring)
- Try finding a 53-degree layer of water during summer.
Have Noticeable Jerkbaits
Use eye-catching jerk baits, like blue, yellow, orange, and pink. Or any bright colors that will grab trout attention. It is ideal to use flashy hues so that your lure can be seen in depth. Additionally, jerk baits work well when your target is suspended in 10 feet of water. And, it is great for dragging on the bottom.
Sharpen Hooks and Get Proper Fishing Line
A good fishing line with a well-sharpened hook definitely makes a solid match. In detail, the line should be strong enough not to break, while the hook is durable for catching more trout. Do not make the mistake of not refining your hooks because dull ones will make it hard to catch fish. Choose carefully among various brands of fishing lines. They are available from physical and online stores.
Trolling
Trolling is one of the most common fishing techniques for lake trout seekers. With different speeds throughout the trip, you get an idea of what fish prefer to eat with different speeds throughout the trip. Also, keep in mind that as the water gets colder, the slower you want your presentation to be. Fishes that [thrive/like] cold waters are sluggish and are unlikely to chase bait at a great distance.
Now, large bait balls give beneficial hints when lake trout are around a certain area. It’s also important to troll the water surface for a few passes to check nearby fishes.
Gears and Equipment
Ultimately, you also need to know the proper gears and equipment to catch trout so that you are ready. For clothing, make sure you use a comfortable material fit for doing long hours of fishing. Never trade your comfort for style. Especially when doing any kind of outdoor activity. Also, bring sunscreen and sunglasses to keep you safe and protected from the heat of the sun.
- To help you prepare, here is a list of the things you should bring:
- Rods
- Reels
- Vest
- Waders
- Boots
- Landing nets
- Tackle boxes
- Worms, flies, baits, lures
- Pliers and nippers
- Creels
Final Thoughts: How to Catch Trout in Lake Tahoe
To summarize, there are many tools and ways that can assist you in getting the fish you want. More than the tips above are simple, keep practicing. Get better at throwing if you are a beginner before doing complex fishing methods. If you want to be part of the fishing industry in the long run, you also need to exercise patience. Again, wear the proper outfit for fishing and do not burn under the sun.
To top that, always check your boat from time to time if you are active in the fishing scene. You never know when the weather conditions are good for fishing, so make sure you take care of your boat. Ensure that you bring the best gear and equipment you have to make the trip worthwhile. Update necessary documents before heading out so that you can catch trout in Lake Tahoe.
