California Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Sierra Region
Lake Tahoe is a huge, crystal-clear alpine lake with lake trout (mackinaw), browns, rainbows and kokanee.
Looking for the latest Lake Tahoe river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Lake Tahoe.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Lake Tahoe that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Lake Tahoe fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Lake trout move shallow in the cold months.
Strip big streamers along rocky drop-offs from a boat.
Stocking report
See the CDFW fish planting schedule for the latest stocking at Lake Tahoe and other California waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Lake Tahoe, bring: Sparkle Minnow #2-6, Woolly Bugger #4-8, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Pitching Leech #10, Circus Peanut #4.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Lake Tahoe lake details
| Access | Public beaches and ramps around the lake. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 6,225 ft |
| Nearest town | South Lake Tahoe, California |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Fish | Lake trout, browns, rainbows and kokanee |
| Regulations | California and Nevada rules apply on their sides. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the current rules. A California sport fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Does not freeze. |
| Camping | State park and national forest campgrounds (seasonal) |
| Kids | Yes in summer. |
| Good to know | Very deep, clear water. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Lake trout shallow.
Spring
Spring browns.
Summer
Deep fish.
Fall
Lake trout.
How to get there
Take US-50 or I-80 and State Route 89 to Lake Tahoe.