If you enjoy fishing your best chance to land a big Mack would be aboard one of the local guide boats. To land a Mackinaw it’s necessary to use downriggers at depths of 200-400 feet.

There are two charter companies with helpful experienced staff members who know the best locations, tackle and techniques to fish Lake Tahoe. Their fees include the 3 to 5 hour trip, fishing equipment, tackle and guidance. If you don’t have a Nevada or California state fishing license they are also available with the charter. Fishing is primarily for Mackinaw trout by trolling. The current record for a Lake Tahoe Mackinaw is 37-lbs. and 4-lbs., 13 oz. for Kokanee Salmon. A 12-lb. Rainbow Trout and 17-lb. Brown Trout have also been landed at the lake. Charter boats go out year round and you will need to call to make reservations and check on exact departure times.

For shore fishing, cast your line where the shoreline plunges quickly. One of the favorite locations is near Cave Rock on the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe. Rubicon Point on the West Shore is also a popular location. Fishing for Rainbows from the shore is best May through July. On the north shore, the Kings Beach and Lake Forest areas are planted throughout the summer.

Wild fish are more likely to strike flashy lures such as Kastmasters, Spinners or Spoons. Salmon eggs, power bait, or worms are the best bait for stocked Rainbows. Fishing is closed in the lake within 300 feet of its tributaries from October1 through June 30. The entire lake is open the rest of the year.

To get to Cave Rock from Incline you would drive south on SR 28 toward South Lake Tahoe.
Driving time – 30 minutes. Driving distance – 20 miles.

For more information on local hotspots contact Mountain Hardware and Sports at 530.587.4844 (11320 Donner Pass Road, at Hwy. 89, Truckee) and Swigard’s True Value Hardware at 530.583.3738 (200 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City). A brochure issued by the California and Nevada Fish and Game Departments may be obtained at any sporting goods store. You may also call Stafford Lehr, Fishery Biologist, California Department of Fish and Game, at 530.647.9827. Below, find listings for charter boat information.

Kingfish Guide Service
5110 West Lake Blvd
Homewood, California
800.622.5462 
Call for fees. 
Hours of operation – Departure is usually at 7:00 a.m. till May 1. After May 1 departure is at 6:00 a.m.
Driving time – 45 minutes.  Driving distance – 30 miles

Mickey’s Big Mack Charters
P.O. Box 488
Carnelian Bay, California
800.877.1462 
Call for fees. 
Hours of operation – Departure is at 5:00 a.m.
Driving time – 20 minutes. Driving distance – 15 miles.