Hey there fellow anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Lake Tahoe fishing report for this fine Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Spring fishing is in full swing around the lake, and I'm happy to report the action has been stellar! The Mackinaw (Lake Trout) bite continues to dominate this season, as they've been actively cruising in slightly shallower waters than their winter depths[1][4]. These beauties have been the main attraction since early April, and they're not slowing down.

The Browns have also been showing up in good numbers recently, with some nice catches reported over the past couple weeks[5]. Local guide Robert Varik mentioned that Brown Trout action has been heating up nicely as we've moved through spring[5].

Weather today is typical spring Tahoe - mild temperatures with light afternoon winds, perfect for a day on the water. Sunrise was around 6:10 AM, and we'll have daylight until about 7:45 PM, giving you plenty of time to get lines wet.

For those targeting Mackinaw, trolling with dodgers and minnow-imitating lures at 150-220 feet has been the ticket in the main basin. Jigging with white or chartreuse jigs tipped with minnows is also working well when you spot schools on your fish finder[1]. The cooler water temps are keeping these lake trout active throughout the day.

Rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon are also making appearances in catches, particularly in the early mornings and evenings[1]. For the 'bows, try trolling flashers with nightcrawlers or small spoons in the top 30 feet of water.

The Truckee River flowing out of Tahoe has seen excellent spring conditions with higher flows than last month. Nymphing has been the most productive technique, but there have been some nice afternoon hatches if you prefer dry flies[3].

Hot spots to check out: Cave Rock on the east shore has been producing consistent Mackinaw catches. Emerald Bay's entrance has been good for mixed bags of Macks and Rainbows. And just north of Tahoe City, trollers have been finding some quality Browns.

For bait, fresh minnows are always a go-to this time of year. If you're using artificials, silver and blue spoons, tube jigs in white or chartreuse, and Rapalas in natural patterns have all been working well.

Don't forget the NDOW stocked Lahontan Cutthroat last fall, and some anglers are still catching these special natives along the north and east shores[5].

The water level is good for this time of year, and clarity is improving daily as we move deeper into spring. Get out there while the bite is hot!

Tight lines and see you on the water!

This is Artificial Lure reporting for you on April 23, 2025, with your Lake Tahoe fishing update.

Spring fishing is rolling right along on Tahoe, and the lake is producing some quality catches this April. The weather has been classic Sierra spring—clear, cool mornings warming up by afternoon, making for great time on the water. Sunrise hit at about 6:15 am today, and sunset will be just past 7:45 pm, giving anglers a long window to wet a line.

The star of the show right now is Mackinaw, also known as lake trout. The cold water is keeping these fish active and hungry, and we’re seeing above-average catches most mornings. Just last week, locals and guides pulled in lake trout topping 9 pounds, with plenty of solid fish in the five to seven-pound range coming aboard. Brown trout action is picking up too. An impressive 8-pound brown was reported on the south end a few days ago. There’s also an occasional bonus rainbow trout coming in, so you never know what’s on the other end of your line this time of year[2][3][5].

The bite has been best early and late, but mid-morning can still produce, especially if there’s a little overcast or wind to break up the surface. No real tides to speak of since we’re on a lake, but wind shifts can turn the bite on and off, so keep an eye on the flags.

For tackle, you can’t go wrong with classic trolling setups. Flatfish and Rapalas in silver, blue, or perch patterns are hot lures this week. Dodgers with live minnows or threaded nightcrawlers are putting a lot of fish in the box. Many are running lines 80 to 120 feet down, depending on water temps and where the bait balls are marking. For bank anglers, try casting spoons and spinners like Kastmasters or Panther Martins near creek mouths early in the morning.

If you’re hunting for a Tahoe trophy, hot spots right now include the Tahoe City Shelf and the deep drop-offs near Sugar Pine Point. The south shore around Camp Richardson is also producing, especially for browns in the rocky shallows early and late[2][3].

Fish safe, layer up for those brisk mornings, and get ready for some spring lake action. Tight lines!

Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Lake Tahoe fishing report for Monday, April 21, 2025. Spring has settled in and fishing around the lake is heating up, especially for trophy trout hunters. The weather today looks mild, with daytime highs in the low 60s, light breezes off the water, and mostly clear skies—ideal for a full day on the lake. Sunrise hit at 6:14 AM and sunset will be at 7:47 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to chase those big ones.

Lake Tahoe is all about the trout right now. Mackinaw, or lake trout, continue to dominate the catch with above-average fish being picked up across the basin. Several anglers reported landing lakers in the 5- to 9-pound range this past week, highlighted by a beautiful 9-pounder and a stunning 8-pound brown trout caught just a few days ago. The brown trout are turning on as well, with a good mix showing up in the creel, plus the occasional rainbow making an appearance. Overall, it’s a promising early season bite and the action should only improve as the water keeps warming up[1][2][3].

For lures, stick with the tried-and-true this week. Trolling large plugs like Rapalas or AC Plugs has been producing well, especially in pearl or silver-blue colors. If you prefer bait, jigging with white or chartreuse tube jigs tipped with a small piece of sucker meat is a dynamite choice for macks. Don’t forget, if you’re targeting browns early, a slow-trolled minnow plug close to shore is a proven winner[1][3].

Fly anglers working the connected Truckee River have seen stronger flows and some good afternoon hatches—nymphing is your best bet there, but Tahoe proper is seeing most success from boats or shore trolling at sunrise and again toward dusk[4].

Hot spots this week include the deep shelves off Cal-Neva Point and Sugar Pine Point for Mackinaw. If you’re after browns, try working the rocky drop-offs near Cave Rock and the shallows around Emerald Bay at first light. The launch ramps are all open and the lake is seeing moderate traffic, so there’s plenty of room for everyone[2][5].

No tides to worry about on Tahoe as it's freshwater, but pay attention to wind shifts in the afternoon—those can push the bite deeper or tuck the active fish closer to structure.

That’s the scoop for today. The bite is on and the big ones are there for the taking. Good luck out there, and tight lines from Artificial Lure!

April 20th, 2025, Lake Tahoe Fishing Report with Artificial Lure

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure dropping in with your fresh Lake Tahoe fishing report for Sunday, April 20th, 2025.

It’s been a stellar start to the spring season on Tahoe, with water temps rising and the trout bite really picking up. The air is crisp but pleasant, with mild spring temperatures holding in the 40s and 50s. Skies are generally clear and winds light – perfect for getting out on the water. Sunrise hit at 6:18 AM and sunset will be around 7:42 PM, giving you a long window to wet a line. No tides to worry about on Tahoe, but expect some snowmelt runoff keeping the water cool and oxygen-rich.

Reports from the past week have been outstanding, especially for big lake trout and brown trout. Guides are landing above-average Mackinaw, with browns up to 8 pounds and macks topping out near 9 pounds making headlines. Fish are on the move in early season patterns and hungry after the winter. The overall bite is rated as promising, with plenty of action for those putting in the time on the water[1][5].

Your best action right now is coming on trolled plugs and large spoons, particularly in deeper water near drop-offs and ledges. Try Rapala-style lures, Tazmanian Devils, or Needlefish in shiny patterns to get the attention of those larger trout. Don’t overlook live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers, especially early and late in the day. For shore anglers, a nightcrawler under a slip bobber off points and drop-offs can draw in cruising browns.

For the fly anglers among us, nymphs and streamers can be effective in tributaries and near creek mouths. Flows are picking up, and nymphing deeper runs or swinging a white or olive streamer can turn up a surprise brown.

Hot spots to check out include the Tahoe City shelf on the north shore and the drop-offs near Sugar Pine Point on the west side. The Cave Rock area is another favorite for early season lakers—troll deep along the ledge or jig plastics right off the rock walls.

All in all, early season fishing at Tahoe is heating up fast, and there are some real trophy fish to be had. Get out, enjoy the view, and don’t forget your camera—you just might land the catch of a lifetime.

Tight lines and see you on the water,
Artificial Lure[1][5]

Lake Tahoe Fishing Report for Saturday, April 19, 2025

This is Artificial Lure checking in with your Lake Tahoe fishing report for today. The sun’s up early and spring is fully here in the Tahoe Basin. Sunrise was at 6:17 AM, and sunset will be around 7:41 PM, giving you a good long window to get out and wet a line. No tides here on the lake, but barometric pressure is steady and the water temps are still on the cool side, which is keeping the fish active and near those rocky shorelines and drop-offs.

The talk on the docks and among local guides is all about trout right now. Mackinaw, also known as lake trout, are the headline act this week. We’ve seen above-average catches regularly, including a recent haul with several fish in the 5-to-8-pound range, and one lunker brown trout that topped 8 pounds. The brown trout action is definitely heating up—you’ve got a fair shot at hooking into one if you target the right spots, with the occasional rainbow trout in the mix for added excitement. Overall, the bite has been promising and steady for April, and those spring trophy trout are ready to play if you put in the time.

Best methods this week have been trolling and jigging, especially right after sunrise and again at dusk. Locals are getting it done with a mix of classic flatfish and minnow plugs, especially in shades of silver, blue, and gold. Try running a Rapala Jointed Minnow or a Yo-Zuri in perch or smelt patterns. If you’re working deeper ledges, vertical jigging with spoons like the Kastmaster has been hot as well. Don’t be afraid to tip your lures with a pinch of nightcrawler—that little bit of scent can make all the difference, especially on the slower mornings.

Live bait is producing as well, with minnows and threaded nightcrawlers always favorites for Mackinaw, fished right along the bottom. The shallows early and late are putting out browns and a few bows for anglers tossing smaller sinking rapalas and even spinners like Panther Martins or Blue Fox Vibrax.

For hot spots, the south shore near Camp Richardson has been a consistent producer for Mackinaw and browns, especially along the drop-offs. Up north, the mouth of Crystal Bay is drawing plenty of attention with solid action early in the morning and again in the evening. Focus on those deeper rock piles and ledges, or any spot with a good transition from deep to shallow.

All in all, it’s shaping up to be a classic Tahoe spring. Get out early, bring a variety of lures and baits, and you could be holding up that trophy trout for a quick photo before the weekend is through. Good luck and tight lines!

Artificial Lure, signing off until next week.

Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure bringing you today’s Lake Tahoe fishing report for April 18, 2025.

We’ve got classic Tahoe spring conditions out on the water—crisp air, cool mornings, and calm afternoons. Sunrise hit right around 6:20 am, and sunset will be close to 7:40 pm, giving you a nice wide window for a full day on the lake. No tides to report, of course, but light winds and mostly clear skies are the story for today, with daytime temps reaching the mid-50s. That’s prime fishing weather and the fish are responding.

Mackinaw, or lake trout, continue to dominate the bite this spring. April is the heart of their season, and they’re cruising a little shallower than they do in the heat of summer, so you don’t have to drop gear to the deepest holes to find them. Most anglers are jigging or trolling in the 70 to 120 foot range and seeing consistent action on above-average fish, with plenty of Mackinaw in the 8 to 12 pound range coming over the rails. A couple of browns in the 5 to 9 pound class have also been reported, and some rainbows are starting to show up, especially early or late in the day[1][3][4][10].

Your best bet for Mackinaw is a white tube jig, large spoons, or trolling with minnow-imitating plugs like Rapalas or Needlefish in silver/blue or rainbow patterns. If you’re bait fishing, inflated nightcrawlers or, if you can catch them yourself, live minnows from the lake will also put fish in the net. Remember, you can only use minnows caught in Tahoe—no imported baitfish allowed[6][7].

Hot spots today include the area just off the mouth of Emerald Bay, which is holding a mix of Mackinaw and browns, and Zephyr Cove, where trolling has been especially productive. The drop-offs outside the Tahoe City shelf and the shallows off Cave Rock are also worth a pass, especially at first light or toward sundown[6].

If you’re fishing from shore, patience is key—focus on rocky points with a good minnow population, and use a floating nightcrawler rig or a bobber and local minnow for your best shot at a trout[7].

Truckee River anglers will find improving conditions too, with water warming and fish on the move. Fly fishers should look for blue-winged olive and Skwala stonefly hatches, with fish getting more aggressive each day[5].

In summary: Mackinaw are hot and heavy, trout are active, and spring has the fish and the anglers fired up around Lake Tahoe. Grab your jigs, spinners, and bait, and get out there. Good luck, and tight lines to all!

Good morning from Lake Tahoe, this is Artificial Lure with your fishing report for Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Spring is in full swing on the Big Blue and it’s shaping up to be a stellar morning for anglers. Sunrise hit today at 6:23 am, with sunset expected around 7:39 pm. The weather’s cool and crisp early, hovering in the mid-40s, and the skies are mostly clear, setting the tone for a beautiful clear day—layer up for that brisk early bite, but the sun will take the chill off by mid-morning[3][10].

Lake Tahoe isn’t tidal, but water clarity is excellent after a quiet winter, and slightly colder surface temps are keeping the fish active in shallower water than what you’d find in summer[1][10]. The bite has been best at first light until around mid-morning, so get on the water early if you can.

Right now, Mackinaw (Lake Trout) are the main draw and putting up a strong show. Fish in the 5- to 9-pound range are coming in regularly, with the occasional trophy up to double digits. An eight-pound Brown Trout and a nine-pound Lake Trout were landed just last week, so there’s real potential for a brag-worthy catch[2][4][5]. Rainbows and an occasional Brown are also mixing in for lucky anglers, especially along rocky shorelines and points[4][10].

For lures, locals have been getting it done trolling or toplining with big minnow plugs and spoons in gold, silver, rainbow, or brown trout patterns—think Rapalas, Needlefish, or anything that mimics the smelt and kokanee the trout are feeding on right now[6][7]. Jigging with white or chartreuse tube jigs is another solid bet, especially if you’re working deeper ledges. If you’re heading out with bait, fresh nightcrawlers or a small chunk of minnow pinned behind a dodger will get bit, particularly for Browns and Rainbows.

Hot spots for Mackinaw and Browns are Zephyr Cove, Cave Rock, and the mouth of Emerald Bay—these rocky areas are prime early in the day. The West Shore near Meeks Bay has also been productive, especially if you’re toplining shallow before the sun gets high[6][7][8]. For those after Rainbows, the East Shore out of Cave Rock is a proven spring favorite.

Boat anglers are seeing the most action, but shore casters working early mornings around rocky points are still finding fish, especially with smaller spinners or spoons worked slow and deep. As always, keep your presentation subtle—Tahoe’s trout can be line shy with the crystal-clear water, so 6–8 lb fluorocarbon is the ticket.

Overall, this is one of the most underrated times to fish Tahoe—less pressure, active fish, and postcard-perfect views. Grab your layers, your favorite lures, and get out there before the summer crowds roll in. Good luck and tight lines.

This is Artificial Lure, signing off from Lake Tahoe—see you on the water[1][2][10].

Good morning anglers, and welcome to another April fishing report from Lake Tahoe! It’s Monday, April 14, 2025, and conditions are looking promising for a productive day on the water.

The sun rose at 6:23 AM this morning and will set at 7:36 PM, giving you over 13 hours of fishing time. Temperatures are warming up, with an expected high of 70°F and a low of 40°F. The air is crisp with a slight breeze, perfect for a day out casting your lines.

The fishing scene is heating up with excellent activity reported in recent days. Mackinaw (Lake Trout) are the highlight this spring, with strong bites reported mid-morning to early afternoon. Many anglers are landing fish in the 5 to 9-pound range, with above-average catches being noted. Brown Trout are also making appearances, including some robust specimens tipping the scales near 8 pounds. These cooler spring waters have the fish active and ready to bite, especially between 60-100 feet in the water column.

For bait, nightcrawlers and minnows are performing well, especially for trout. Bright lures like the Kastmaster CHS in 1/4 or 1/2 ounce sizes are also producing great results for both beginners and seasoned fishers. If you’re trolling, consider using a downrigger setup to maintain consistent depth targeting those larger Mackinaw.

For hot spots today, Zephyr Cove continues to shine as a reliable location for Mackinaw, Brown, and Rainbow Trout. Emerald Bay is another excellent choice for both its picturesque beauty and its variety of trout species. For shore anglers, Cave Rock on the East Shore is a prime spot for hooking Rainbow Trout, while the Tahoe Keys on the South Shore are known for smallmouth and largemouth bass.

If you’re fly fishing, streams around the Tahoe region such as the Truckee and Carson Rivers are worth exploring. They’re currently yielding solid activity for catch-and-release trout fishing, especially in the early morning hours.

With the lake’s clear, deep waters and an abundance of thriving fisheries, now is an ideal time to get out and enjoy Lake Tahoe. Here’s wishing you tight lines and a full stringer!

Good morning anglers! The fishing on Lake Tahoe this April 13 is looking promising as spring makes the waters more lively. Here’s the latest report to help you plan your day on the water.

The weather today will be cool and crisp in the morning, warming up as the sun rises higher. Sunrise was at 6:20 AM, and sunset will occur at 7:40 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to cast your line. A wet storm earlier this week brought some changes, with the water temperature hovering around the cooler side, which keeps the fish active and closer to the surface. Dress in layers and bring your sunglasses and sunscreen, as the skies should clear up during the day.

With cooler water temperatures, Mackinaw (Lake Trout) are the star of the show this time of year. You’ll also find Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout biting, though Mackinaw are the most consistent catches. Mackinaws are often found at depths around 70-100 feet, but they may come a bit closer to shore and higher in the water column during early spring. Recent reports indicate catches of Mackinaw ranging from 5 to 15 pounds. For shoreline action, Rainbow Trout seem to be the most likely catch.

Top spots to try today include Emerald Bay for its scenic backdrop and abundance of trout species, Cave Rock for some productive shoreline fishing for Rainbow Trout, and Zephyr Cove for trolling Mackinaw and Brown Trout. Sugar Pine Point and the offshore shelves near Tahoe Keys are also worth a visit to target Mackinaw.

For techniques, jigging and trolling are your best bets for Mackinaw. Use minnow imitation lures or jigs in natural colors around drop-offs and ledges. For Rainbow Trout, try trolling with smaller spinners or casting worms inflated to float just off the bottom. A silver Kastmaster lure (1/4 or 1/2 ounce) is a tried-and-true favorite among local anglers for all-around success.

If fly fishing is your game, nearby rivers like the Truckee River or Little Truckee River offer excellent opportunities, with Skwala stoneflies and Blue-Winged Olives currently hatching.

Today promises to be a solid day on the water in and around Lake Tahoe. Whether you’re fishing from a boat or the shore, patience and the right setup will help you land a memorable catch. Good luck, and tight lines!

Good morning anglers! Today, Saturday, April 12, 2025, is shaping up to be a fantastic day for fishing at Lake Tahoe. Spring is in full swing, and the conditions are prime for a memorable day on the water.

The weather is pleasant with highs reaching around 70°F and lows dipping to the 40s. Skies are mostly sunny with just a light breeze, making it ideal for both boating and shore fishing. First light was at 6:14 AM with sunrise at 6:41 AM, and the sun will set at 7:25 PM, giving you plenty of time to make the most of this beautiful day.

The fishing this April has been remarkable. Mackinaw trout, or Lake Trout, are currently the star of the show. These cold-water dwellers are active, and anglers have been successfully catching specimens weighing 5 to 20 pounds. Rainbow and Brown Trout are also biting, especially near the west shore, and Kokanee salmon are holding in deeper waters.

For Mackinaw trout, trolling with downriggers or jigging around 70 to 100 feet deep has been very productive. If you’re targeting Kokanee, try using bright lures such as spoons or plugs around 40 to 150 feet based on where you spot them. Rainbow trout can be enticed with live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers, and they’ve been found closer to shorelines with drop-offs.

A couple of hot spots to consider today are Emerald Bay, known for its breathtaking scenery and abundance of trout, and Zephyr Cove, where Mackinaws, Rainbows, and Browns are frequently caught. Other productive areas include Tahoe Keys for bass and the middle of the lake for deeper trolling opportunities. Shore anglers might want to try Cave Rock or Kings Beach, which offer good access and a chance for Rainbows.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, today is a great day to wet a line. Tight lines and happy fishing, folks!