Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around the majestic Lake Tahoe. As of today, February 14, 2025, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your fishing trip.

First off, let's talk about the weather. Today is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit, making it a crisp but manageable day for fishing. Since Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake, there’s no tidal report to worry about, but the water levels are currently stable.

Sunrise is at around 6:50 AM, and sunset will be at about 5:15 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water. The recent cold spell has kept the water temperatures low, which is ideal for targeting some of Lake Tahoe’s prized species like Mackinaw trout, Rainbow trout, and Kokanee salmon.

Fish activity has been steady, especially for those targeting the deeper waters. Recently, anglers have been having success with Mackinaw trout and Rainbow trout. At Donner Lake, which is nearby, there’s been a good bite for lake trout at around 80 feet using power bait and worms off the bottom, as well as trolling with Lyman lures and Rapalas.

For Lake Tahoe itself, Mackinaw trout are often found in the deeper water off shelves and near underwater points. Some of the largest Mackinaw catches have been reported along the West Shore. Rainbow trout up to 25 pounds have also been caught, and Brown trout are plentiful with their distinctive golden brown color and halo effect around the spots.

When it comes to lures and bait, jigging near the bottom with artificial or live minnows is highly effective for all three species. Slow trolling at depths between 100 and 200 feet is also a great method, especially in the colder waters. Nightcrawlers and inline spinners are good bait choices, as they tend to attract a lot of action.

For fly fishing, which is highly popular in the Truckee River and surrounding areas, use smaller flies and tippet down to 6x and 7x. Blue Winged Olives and Midges are making up the bulk of the insects right now, so flies like Parachute Adams, Thorax Dun, and Zebra Midge are good choices. For nymphing, Haresear, Micro May, and Rainbow Warrior are productive.

If you’re looking for hot spots, Taylor Creek is a great place to try, especially during other times of the year when it's not closed for spawning. However, for now, consider Silver Lake, located just off Highway 88 south of Lake Tahoe, which is known for large Rainbow, Mackinaw, and German Brown Trout. Caples Lake is another excellent spot, with its steep sides and deep water making it a prime fishing zone even close to shore. It's stocked with Brookies, Browns, Mackinaw, and Rainbows, and is known for having some big fish.

Remember, the catch limit is any combination of five fish per person, including a maximum of two Mackinaw. Enjoy your day on the water