Episodes

  • Lake Tahoe's Springtime Fishing Bonanza: Mackinaw, Kokanee, and More on the Bite

    Lake Tahoe's Springtime Fishing Bonanza: Mackinaw, Kokanee, and More on the Bite
    May 28 2025
    Good morning from the shores of Lake Tahoe folks, this is Artificial Lure with your fishing report for May 28, 2025.

    Lake Tahoe is serving up some of the best spring fishing you’ll get all year. The weather is classic Tahoe spring: crisp in the mornings, warming up to sunny and comfortable afternoons. We’re coming off clear nights, so expect a sunrise at about 5:39 AM and a sunset at 8:19 PM. Winds are light to moderate, and there’s no rain in the forecast—just that deep blue sky that makes Tahoe so special.

    As for tides, Lake Tahoe is a landlocked lake, so no tidal changes to worry about, but with the spring runoff still in full swing, water levels are up and clarity is best early in the day before runoff muddies up the shallows. Water temps are holding steady in the low 50s, which has really sparked fish activity. The Mackinaw trout bite is still going strong, with most fish sitting deeper than usual for this time of year, 60 to 75 feet down. Boats are averaging 3 to 5 fish per rod—good, steady action for those trolling deeper basins.

    If you’re after numbers and size, Mackinaw (lake trout) remain the hot target. Plenty of quality fish are coming in, and the largest so far this week tipped the scales at just over 15 pounds. Also worth noting: Kokanee salmon are starting to show up, and their numbers will only get better as we move closer to summer. Rainbow and brown trout are also entering the mix, especially around creek mouths and rocky drop-offs.

    Best lures right now are classic Tahoe choices—dodgers paired with threaded minnows or white tube jigs for Mackinaw, and smaller spoons or spinners for rainbows. If you’re bait fishing, nothing beats a lively minnow or a well-soaked nightcrawler. Fly anglers should focus on streamers in olive or black early and late, or target midday risers with Blue Winged Olive and March Brown nymph imitations.

    For hot spots, try the deep waters off the north shore near Carnelian Bay or give the area off Cave Rock a shot, both have produced solid Mackinaw and the occasional big brown. If you want to mix it up a bit, the mouth of Taylor Creek is starting to draw in rainbows looking to fatten up ahead of summer.

    In summary: fish deep early, use natural baits or lively lures, and don’t be afraid to try a few classic Tahoe spots before the summer crowds roll in. The lake is lively, the fish are hungry, and the scenery can’t be beat.

    Tight lines and good luck out there. This is Artificial Lure, signing off until next time.
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    3 mins
  • Memorial Day Fishing Report: Kokanee, Macs, and Rainbows Biting Strong at Lake Tahoe

    Memorial Day Fishing Report: Kokanee, Macs, and Rainbows Biting Strong at Lake Tahoe
    May 26 2025
    Hey there anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Lake Tahoe fishing report for this Memorial Day, May 26, 2025!

    It's shaping up to be a fantastic day on the water. The Kokanee and Mackinaw bite has been particularly strong as we approach summer[1]. Boats have been averaging about 3-5 fish per rod lately, though the fish are sitting a bit deeper than usual for late May – you'll want to target between 60 and 75 feet deep for the best action[2].

    Rainbow trout action remains solid, with fish averaging 2-6 pounds. Trophy rainbows can reach up to 25 pounds, so keep your drag set right! The Nevada side at Logan Shoals offers excellent access to deeper water with consistent rainbow populations – perfect for shore fishing. For California anglers, try the rocky shorelines about 4 miles from Tahoe City off Highway 89[5].

    For those targeting Kokanee, they're schooling nicely now. Small lures when toplining from shore or boat will work well for rainbows. If you're after both rainbows and Mackinaw, try jigging tight to the bottom with artificial lures, live minnows, or nightcrawlers. The larger fish tend to hug the bottom this time of year. Trolling a large 6-8 inch hoochie or nightcrawler behind a flasher has been producing nicely for cruising trout[5].

    The warmer weather we've been experiencing has created some runoff, but fishing conditions remain favorable overall[3]. May is actually one of the ideal months for rainbow trout, as the water temperatures are perfect and the fish are very active[5]. Plus, with today being a holiday, the Forest Service offices are closed, so you'll find fewer folks handling administrative tasks and more people on the water[4].

    One hot tip: head out early this morning as the bite has been strongest in the early hours. The public launch at Cave Rock has been less crowded than usual for a holiday, making it a good option to put in.

    Don't forget your California or Nevada fishing license depending on which side you're fishing, and remember that we're now in the summer regulations period.

    So grab your gear, pack some extra water since it's warming up today, and get out there! This is Artificial Lure, signing off and wishing you tight lines and full creels on this beautiful Memorial Day at Lake Tahoe!
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    3 mins
  • Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Macks, Kokanee, and Hatches Abound for Memorial Day Weekend

    Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Macks, Kokanee, and Hatches Abound for Memorial Day Weekend
    May 25 2025
    Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Sunday, May 25, 2025, Lake Tahoe fishing report.

    The morning kicked off crisp and calm with sunrise hitting just after 5:34 am and a gentle breeze over glass-clear water. Lake conditions are some of the best we have seen in years, with clarity reaching deep due to a stellar winter runoff. Surface temps are holding steady in the low 50s, putting both trout and Mackinaw on the move and feeding[2][5].

    Tides do not impact Lake Tahoe since it’s a freshwater lake, but the spring runoff is at its peak. Flows into and out of the Truckee River are up, giving those fishing the river arms plenty of moving water. Water stays cleaner early before picking up a hint of color in the afternoon[2].

    The action this week has been red hot for Mackinaw. Just a couple days ago, Diana landed two hefty macks, one at 20 pounds and another going 25, marking some of the biggest fish seen so far this spring. Multiple double-digit lake trout were reported aboard Tahoe Trophy as well, so there’s no shortage of big fish moving[3]. Kokanee action is picking up too, with schools showing up in deeper pockets as the mornings warm[1].

    Trout, especially browns and rainbows, are becoming more aggressive with the rising water temps. They’re holding mostly at depth in the mornings before sliding shallower to feed as insect hatches pick up[2]. Blue Winged Olives and March Browns are showing in numbers, and Pale Morning Duns should pop any day, so the bite should only get better[2][4].

    For tackle, deep jigging with white or chartreuse tubes or swimbaits is producing big macks. Trolling spoons like Needlefish and Dodgers with a pink hoochie is a top bet for kokanee. Trout are hitting olive and black streamers early and late, with nymphs (size 14-18, heavy anchor flies) working well in the river mouths and drop-offs. For bait, live minnows and nightcrawlers are the ticket if you’re going natural[2][3].

    Hot spots today include the Tahoe City drop-off for Mackinaw and the mouth of the Truckee River for hungry browns and cutthroats. The south shore around Camp Richardson is also turning up limits of kokanee and the occasional big rainbow.

    Weather should be fair all day, with highs in the upper 60s and light afternoon breezes. Sunset wraps up about 8:18 pm, and evening action on topwater plugs for trout should be strong right after[5].

    In summary, Lake Tahoe is fishing as good as it gets right now. Bring heavy gear for the macks, and don’t forget your bug spray for the big evening hatches. Tight lines, and see you on the water!
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    3 mins
  • Excellent Tahoe Fishing Report: Macks Biting Deep, Rainbows & Browns Active on the Edges

    Excellent Tahoe Fishing Report: Macks Biting Deep, Rainbows & Browns Active on the Edges
    May 24 2025
    Good morning, anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your Saturday, May 24, 2025, Lake Tahoe fishing report. Sunrise hit just after 5:35 a.m., with sunset expected around 8:14 p.m., giving you a long window to get out and chase some fish. No tides here in Tahoe, but lake levels are running high, thanks to a third straight year of big snowpack and active spring runoff. Water clarity is outstanding—locals are saying it’s the best they’ve seen in decades, with surface temps holding in the low to mid 50s, just right for late-spring action[5][3].

    This week, the bite has been red hot. Mackinaw are stacked deep and hungry, hanging out 80 to 120 feet down. Most boats are doing damage with white or chartreuse tube jigs, best tipped with a sliver of sucker meat. Drifting slowly or vertical jigging right over the drop-offs has been key. Plenty of limits have come aboard, with Mackinaw pushing 6 to 12 pounds not uncommon.

    Rainbows and browns are on the move too. They’re cruising the shallower points and drop-offs early, especially where creek water is coming in. Flatlining small Rapalas in natural colors, especially in the morning, has pulled some solid fish. Fly anglers are finding success along the east shore and where the Truckee flows in, with March Browns and Blue Winged Olives coming off in good numbers. Nymph rigs with heavier anchor flies and a long leader—think 12 to 15 feet—are the ticket for the deeper, faster seams. Olive and black streamers have been money, especially at dawn and dusk[5][3][4].

    For bait, you can’t go wrong with live crawlers or PowerBait off the bottom for rainbows near the South Shore and Tahoe Keys. For those headed to the rivers, the Truckee is running a touch high but still fishable. Fish are set up in the slower edges, tailouts, and deeper pools. Streamers or a bobber-and-nymph rig have both been productive, especially during that midday hatch window.

    Hot spots right now are the classic Tahoe City shelf and Rubicon Point for Mackinaw early, and the mouth of the Upper Truckee River and Sand Harbor for rainbows and browns. Make sure to hit those in low light or right after a big hatch for best results.

    That’s it for today—grab your gear and get out there, because conditions don’t get much better. Tight lines!
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    3 mins
  • Tahoe Fishing Report: Macks, Kokanee, and Trout Abound in Prime Time Season

    Tahoe Fishing Report: Macks, Kokanee, and Trout Abound in Prime Time Season
    May 23 2025
    Howdy there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Friday morning fishing report for May 23, 2025, around our beautiful Lake Tahoe!

    Let me tell ya, we're in prime time fishing season right now, folks! The spring runoff is still going strong with the Truckee flowing about 400 CFS through town and pushing up near 1000 CFS by Farad. Water's running clear in those crisp mornings but gets a touch cloudy by afternoon as things warm up.

    Water temps have settled nicely in the low to mid-50s, and that's got our finned friends more active than a kid in a candy store! The clarity is something special - locals are saying it's the best they've seen in decades. Just glass-clear conditions that make for some fantastic fishing opportunities.

    The Mackinaw bite is absolutely stellar right now. They're stacked deep and hungry, mostly hanging between 80 and 110 feet. Your best bet is either tube jigs tipped with sucker meat or deep-diving stickbaits. Southwest and north ends of the lake have been producing consistently.

    Kokanee action has been heating up something fierce! Boats are averaging about 3-5 fish per rod, though they're still sitting a bit deeper than usual for late May - look for them between 60 and 75 feet, especially where you can mark bait. Wedding rings behind dodgers are working wonders, particularly in the early morning hours when the light's low.

    For you trout enthusiasts, the rainbows and browns are starting to move out of their winter patterns and getting more aggressive. They're mainly in deeper pools, tailouts, and slower seams where they can grab an easy meal. The hatches are looking mighty fine - Blue Winged Olives in good numbers, March Browns showing up, and PMDs should be popping any day now.

    If you're hitting the Truckee or Little Truckee, definitely have that streamer rod ready, especially on these slightly overcast days we've been having. The fish are willing to chase! Anything from small leaches to 3-4 inch streamers have been doing the trick. Just remember to pause your retrieve!

    For hot spots, I'd recommend trying Emerald Bay early for some nice Mackinaw action, then shifting to Cave Rock or the dropoffs near Sugar Pine Point as the day progresses for those Kokanee. For river anglers, the stretch below Fanny Bridge has been producing some beautiful rainbows.

    May is offering some of the best fishing conditions of the year, friends - active fish, crisp mornings, and plenty of elbow room on the water since the summer crowds haven't arrived yet. Get out there while the getting's good!

    Tight lines until next time, this is Artificial Lure signing off!
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    3 mins
  • Tahoe Trout and Mackinaw on the Bite - Ideal Conditions for Anglers on Lake Tahoe

    Tahoe Trout and Mackinaw on the Bite - Ideal Conditions for Anglers on Lake Tahoe
    May 21 2025
    Artificial Lure reporting from the shores of Lake Tahoe on this bright May 21, 2025 morning. The sun rose at 5:41 AM and will set tonight at 8:15 PM, giving anglers a full, long day to get lines in the water. The weather is clear and mild, starting cool in the low 40s but warming into the upper 60s by the afternoon. Winds are expected to be light, keeping the water calm and perfect for casting from both shore and boat.

    Lake Tahoe itself doesn’t have significant tides, but water levels are high this spring thanks to a solid snowpack. This means easy boat launching and good access in the shallows and around drop-offs. The Truckee River, flowing out of Tahoe, is running full and clear, which keeps the lake water moving and comfortable for trout activity[3].

    Fishing has picked up in recent days. Anglers are reporting regular catches of Mackinaw (lake trout) in the 3 to 8 pound range, especially early in the morning before the sun is high. Rainbows and browns have also been active, with some holdover rainbows pushing 20 inches being caught near creek mouths. Kokanee salmon schools are showing up deeper as the water warms, but the bite is spotty; persistence pays off.

    Best lures right now are large silver and blue spoons for Mackinaw, trolled deep at 80 to 120 feet. Jigging white tube jigs or swimbaits tipped with sucker meat is productive as well. For rainbows and browns, try casting small Kastmasters, Panther Martin spinners, or drifting nightcrawlers under a slip bobber near the mouths of Taylor Creek or the Upper Truckee River inlet. Fly anglers are having luck with Woolly Buggers and olive leech patterns, especially in the evenings.

    Bait anglers are doing well with threaded nightcrawlers fished off the bottom, and for those targeting Kokanee, try pink hoochies behind dodgers tipped with corn. Remember, California and Nevada fishing licenses are both valid on Tahoe, but regulations require you to carry one if you’re 16 or older[5].

    A couple of hot spots to try today: the shelf drop-off near Cave Rock for Mackinaw, especially at first light, and the mouth of Emerald Bay for rainbows and browns cruising for food on the shoals. Shore anglers should focus on the beaches near Tahoe City and Kings Beach where trout are pushing in close in the mornings and evenings.

    Fish safe, enjoy the spring scenery, and remember to check all current regulations before heading out. Tight lines from Artificial Lure, and good luck on the water today!
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    3 mins
  • Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Mackinaw Madness, Trophy Trout, and Kokanee Crush

    Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Mackinaw Madness, Trophy Trout, and Kokanee Crush
    May 19 2025
    Howdy there, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Monday morning fishing report for May 19, 2025, around beautiful Lake Tahoe!

    Spring runoff is in full swing, and the trout are responding with some excellent feeding activity. The water clarity is absolutely phenomenal right now - locals are saying it's the best they've seen in decades, with that classic Tahoe glass-clear appearance.

    The big news continues to be the Mackinaw bite. Anglers have been landing limits of these lake trout, with some monsters in the 15+ pound range being caught just last week. Jason over at Cave Rock has been doing particularly well, and that whole stretch from Cave Rock to Logan Shoals is producing nicely.

    Browns are also in the mix, with a remarkable 10.25-pounder caught and released recently - a double-digit brown in Tahoe is quite the accomplishment! Keep an eye out for these trophy fish.

    Kokanee action has been heating up too. While Tahoe typically gives up Kokes around 14 inches, this season we're seeing some impressive 16-18 inchers, particularly in the southwest area of the lake at depths between 55-75 feet.

    For tackle, flashers with worms have been the go-to for many anglers, but I personally prefer using small Cowbells in gold and silver - they create less drag for a better fight when you hook up. Rapalas have also been productive both on top and down deep. The key is to keep changing patterns and sizes until you find what's working that day.

    Hot spots today include the stretch from Cave Rock to Logan Shoals for Mackinaw, and the southwest area for those bigger Kokanee. If you're looking to get away from the crowds (and yes, weekends have been busy), try the north and west shores for more sporadic but still rewarding Mackinaw action.

    The weather today is typical May - we'll see some sunny periods mixed with possible afternoon thunderstorms. That's just Tahoe spring weather for you! Get out early to avoid both the crowds and the afternoon wind.

    There's some concern about the low flows out of Taylor Creek potentially affecting the spawn for another year, which could impact future fish numbers. All the more reason to practice catch and release with those trophy fish.

    Whatever you target, the fishing is good to excellent right now. Good luck out there, and as always, tight lines to you all!
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    3 mins
  • Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Spring Runoff, Trout Feeding, and Hot Spots for May 2025

    Lake Tahoe Fishing Report: Spring Runoff, Trout Feeding, and Hot Spots for May 2025
    May 18 2025
    Howdy anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Sunday morning fishing report for May 18, 2025, around beautiful Lake Tahoe!

    The spring runoff is in full swing, folks! Current flows on the Truckee are running about 400 CFS through town and pushing 1000 CFS near Farad. That's a bit high but still fishable if you know where to look. Water's clear in the morning but gets a touch murky by afternoon as the day warms up.

    Water temps are sitting in the low 50s now, and that's got the fish more active than we've seen in weeks. The trout are starting to move out of their winter holding patterns and are becoming more aggressive. They're mainly hanging in deeper pools, tailouts, and those slower seams where they can conserve energy but still grab a meal.

    Hatches are picking up nicely! We're seeing good numbers of Blue Winged Olives, and the March Browns are finally showing up. PMDs should be popping any day now. If you're nymphing, go with a longer leader (12-15 feet) and use heavier anchor flies to get down in that faster water. For you streamer junkies, olive and black patterns are producing early and late in the day.

    Been hearing good reports from Emerald Bay where anglers are hooking into some nice Mackinaw and Rainbow Trout. The middle of the lake is also hot right now if you're looking for those bigger Macks. Don't forget about Zephyr Cove – trolling there on a breezy day like today could fill your cooler quick.

    The Truckee River is fishing surprisingly well despite the higher flows. Focus on that stretch where the river flows out of Lake Tahoe for some killer fly fishing. And if you're up north, Donner Lake has been giving up some jumbo Macks and a decent number of Rainbows.

    Best baits right now are small jigs and spoons if you're spin fishing. Work them slow and tight to structure. Fly anglers, stick with those nymphs I mentioned, or try swinging a leech pattern through deeper runs.

    Remember, we're heading toward the end of May when the bite typically turns around fast. Any day now, it'll be "game on" as the fish settle into their summertime patterns.

    Sunrise was at 5:41 this morning, and sunset's coming at 8:17 tonight, giving you plenty of daylight to get out there and bend a rod!

    Tight lines, folks! This is Artificial Lure signing off – see ya on the water!
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    3 mins