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Lake Tahoe

Boat Ramps
19
Access Points
21
Species
14

Lake Tahoe is a pristine alpine lake straddling the California-Nevada border, renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters and mountain scenery. At 1,897 meters elevation with a surface area of approximately 500 km², it's the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest in the United States with a maximum depth of 501 meters. The lake's remarkable clarity and cold water temperatures create a unique fishery with a mix of native and introduced species. With its 22-mile length, 12-mile width, and 72-mile shoreline, Lake Tahoe offers diverse fishing opportunities from shallow nearshore areas to deep offshore waters.


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow Trout2,137 fish · 10.3 inOct 8, 2026
  • Cutthroat Trout4,139 fish · 9.1 inAug 4, 2026
  • Cutthroat Trout5,722 fish · 9.1 inJul 30, 2026
  • Cutthroat Trout4,924 fish · 9.4 inJul 23, 2026
  • Cutthroat Trout5,192 fish · 10.2 inJul 21, 2026

Source

Nevada Department of Wildlife

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Tahoe. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Lake Tahoe

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

California licenses and regulations

California Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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California Fishing License Online

In California, anyone under the age of 16 or above is required to get a sport fishing license to take any fish; shell fish, reptile or amphibian in the state.

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California Freshwater Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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California Stream Access Laws

The courts have described the reach of the California public right of navigation as “the right to navigate and to exercise the incidents of navigation in a lawful manner at any point below high water mark” on waters that satisfy California’s small craft test. Thus, property owners cannot interfere with the public’s right to navigate or use shoreline areas below the ordinary high water mark for incidents of navigation. In fact, unauthorized obstruction of the public’s right to access and use a navigable waterway constitutes a public nuisance.

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Take Lake Tahoe with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Lake Tahoe to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Tahoe to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lake Tahoe and check the forecast before you go.

THIRD CK NR CRYSTAL BAY, NV

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