Exceptional Fishing Opportunities at Lake Tahoe This Fall

As of November 22, 2024, Lake Tahoe is offering some exceptional fishing opportunities, despite the cooling weather in the mountains. ### Weather and Time The sun rose at about 6:45 AM, and sunset is expected around 4:30 PM. The weather is crisp, with temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s, making it ideal for a day on the water. ### Fish Activity The fish activity at Lake Tahoe is quite lively this time of year. With the water temperature dropping, Rainbow and Brown Trout are rising to the surface, making shallow trolling with spoons highly effective. You can also expect to catch some Cutthroat Trout. The Mackinaw bite is improving, although the numbers are still a bit down; these fish are generally holding deep, between 150 to 220 feet. ### Recent Catches Yesterday saw some impressive catches, particularly in the southwest area of the lake. Anglers reported landing Kokanee Salmon up to 16-18 inches, which is above the usual size range for this time of year. Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout were also plentiful, with some anglers reporting double-digit browns. ### Best Lures and Bait For Rainbow and Brown Trout, shallow trolling with spoons is recommended. For Mackinaw, using deep trolling gear with lures like dodgers and minnows can be effective. If you're targeting Kokanee, try using small hoochies or spinners at depths of 55-75 feet. ### Hot Spots The southwest area of the lake has been particularly productive, especially for Kokanee. The north and west shores are also good spots for catching Mackinaw and other trout species. If you're looking for Bass, the Tahoe Keys area is your best bet, where you can find Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass in warmer, shallow waters. ### Additional Notes Be aware that there are a lot of boats out, especially on weekends, so plan your trip accordingly. Also, there is some concern about the low flows out of Taylor Creek affecting the spawn for future fish populations. Overall, Lake Tahoe is a great place to be for fishing right now, with a variety of species active and some excellent catches to be had. Enjoy your day on the water