Lake Tahoe Daily Fishing Report

Late Winter Fishing in Lake Tahoe - Tips and Hotspots for Trout, Salmon, and More


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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 15, 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. There’s no tidal report to worry about since Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake, 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.

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.

Lake Tahoe itself is known for its diverse fish species, and this time of year is particularly good for catching some of the larger game fish. The trout, especially rainbows and browns, are quite active due to the cold water bringing them closer to the surface. Shallow trolling with spoons has been highly effective, and for those targeting Mackinaw, the north and west shores have been the most productive areas. These fish are often found in deeper waters, typically between 150 to 220 feet, but during the late winter months, they can be caught closer to the surface and even from shore.

For the best results, use jigging near the bottom with artificial or live minnows, which is one of the most effective techniques for targeting Mackinaw, Rainbow, and Brown trout. Fishing with worms, such as nightcrawlers, is also highly effective. Slow trolling at depths between 100 and 200 feet is another great method, especially in the colder waters. Inline spinners, crankbaits, and soft plastics that mimic leeches, minnows, and sculpin are also good choices.

If you’re targeting Kokanee salmon, topline trolling using a lure or worm on a size 4-8 hook, along with flashers and dodgers, can be very effective. Attaching a white shoepeg corn kernel with some attractant to the hook tip can also provide extra appeal.

For some hot spots, consider Taylor Creek, especially during the fall when the Kokanee Salmon migrate in to spawn, but it's also good for other species during other times of the year. Another spot is 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
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Lake Tahoe Daily Fishing ReportBy Quiet. Please