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Fishing Lake Tahoe Summer 2025: Best Lures, Spots & Tips

  • Emmanuel Lara
  • May 3
  • 2 min read

Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful places to fish in the West—and in summer 2025, it's all about targeting rainbow trout and mackinaw (lake trout) from both shore and boat. Here’s a quick guide to where to fish, what to use, and how to catch more.

Serene beach scene at sunset with rocks and sand in the foreground, calm water, and mountains on the horizon under a blue sky with clouds.
Peaceful shoreline of Lake Tahoe at sunset, with golden sand, scattered rocks, and calm water reflecting soft clouds and the Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance.

Shore Fishing for Rainbow Trout

For shoreline anglers, early morning and evening are best. Trout come closer to shore when the water's cooler. You can’t go wrong with:

  • Inflated nightcrawlers on a sliding sinker rig

  • Powerbait for stocked trout

  • Silver Kastmasters (1/4 oz)

  • Rooster Tails or Mepps spinners

  • Small Rapala plugs

Focus on rocky drop-offs and creek inlets. Top shore spots include:

  • Cave Rock (NV) – Deep water close to shore

  • Kings Beach (CA) – Great summer action for rainbows

  • Emerald Bay (CA) – Good for browns and rainbows early/late

  • Sand Harbor (NV) – Clear water and a solid early bite


Boat Fishing for Mackinaw Trout

For mackinaw, summer means deep water. Most fish are down 80–150 feet. Try:

  • Trolling with large Rapalas, spoons, or Flatfish plugs using downriggers

  • Heavy jigging spoons or white tube jigs on ledges or shelves

  • Live minnows or nightcrawlers behind flashers

Top boat spots:

  • Rubicon Point (CA) – One of the lake’s deepest drop-offs

  • South Lake Tahoe – Deeper channels near the Tahoe Keys

  • Dollar Point (NV) – Productive trolling zone for Macks


Quick Tips for Summer 2025

  • Fish early or late to avoid mid-day lulls

  • Troll deep or jig near the bottom for lake trout

  • Use light line and stealth when shore fishing in clear water

  • Change spots or lures if you’re not getting bites in 30–45 mins

  • Know the regs and get the correct license for CA or NV


Whether you're casting from the rocks or trolling in the trench, Lake Tahoe offers awesome fishing and views to match. With the right lures, spots, and timing, you’re set for a great summer on the water.

 
 
 

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