Got fish?

Anglers rejoice! The Reno-Lake Tahoe area is packed full of rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, etc. If you're looking for the best place to dip a line, read on

• Fish a nearby lake:

Pyramid Lake (about 30 miles north of Sparks):
Find Lahontan cutthroat and Sacramento perch. Equally good from shore, float tube or a boat. The lake is located on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, which has special regulations and requires a tribal fishing, boating and camping permit. The trout season runs Oct. 1-June 30, each year. "Legal Keeper" size for trout is 16 to 19 inches, and/or 24 inches and longer. Only one trout over 24 inches allowed in possession. All non-Tribal members, 12 years and older must have in their possession a valid Tribal Fishing Permit. Non-Tribal members under 12 years can fish at no charge with an adult who possesses a current valid Tribal fishing permit. No bait fishing. Only artificial lures and flies. Licenses are $9 per day (multiple day and seasonal permits available) and can be purchased at the Sutcliffe ranger station.
Ranger Station
2500 Lakeview Dr.
Sutcliffe, Nev., 89510
(775) 476-1155

Sparks Marina
This 77-acre, man-made lake in the middle of Sparks has a fishing pier and cleaning station. Find German brown trout, rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass and green sunfish. Marina is planted on a regular basis with trout.
300 Howard Drive
Sparks, Nev., 89431
(775) 691-9130

Lahontan Reservoir (Churchill County)
Boat fishing is closed for now due to low water levels, but bank fishers may land Bullhead catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, white catfish, white crappie, wiper bass, channel catfish, spotted bass and white bass. Located off Hwy 50, about 60 miles from Reno.
16799 Lahontan Dam
Fallon, Nev. 89406
(775) 577-2235

Stampede, Boca and Prosser Creek Reservoirs
All three reservoirs can be accessed off of Hwy 80 between Truckee and Reno. They hold healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout stocked each year by the Department of Fish and Game. Stampede is considered one of the best Kokanee salmon lakes in California. Kokanees are also found in Boca. Anglers trawl Stampede for mackinaw and many fly fishermen find these lakes some of the best in the Sierra.

Lake Davis & Frenchman’s Reservoir
At Lake Davis, located off of Hwy 70 near Portola north of Reno, the Department of Fish and Game has finished chemical treatment with rotenone to rid the lake of the predatory northern pike. The lake has been aggressively planted with rainbows and browns and is ready to resume its popularity among fishermen as one of California’s top lakes for trophy-size rainbows.

Frenchman’s Reservoir, just east of Lake Davis, is another great fishery stocked with mostly rainbows, an occasional brown trout and catfish. Fishing is good from boats and shore, and many shallow coves make this lake popular with fly fishermen.

• Fish a river:
Truckee River
Between Tahoe City and Truckee along Hwy 89
For anglers, the Truckee River is divided into three sections. Some of the best fly fishing in the Tahoe area is along the middle section. Designated as a wild trout sanctuary, this 12-mile stretch below Truckee runs from Trout Creek to Gray’s Creek at the Boca Bridge. There are special restrictions here, including the use of only artificial lures and flies, and the area is closely monitored. For up-to-date regulations, consult the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) at (530) 355-7090. The upper and lower sections have five-trout limits and no gear regulations. The 16-mile upper section from Tahoe City to Trout Creek is easily accessed along Hwy 89 and is stocked with rainbows to augment the stream-bred browns. No fishing is allowed for 1,000 feet below the outlet dam at Fanny Bridge in Tahoe City.

Little Truckee River
The four-mile section between Stampede and Boca Reservoirs offers fly fishermen great opportunities for surface feeding trout. It is a relatively small stream and good for wading anglers. This is a special regulation section, limited to barbless artificial lures and flies only. Check the DFG website for limits and regulations.

Carson Rivers
• East Fork – About 45 minutes from South Lake Tahoe, the East Fork is the longest un-dammed river and one of the most scenic in the eastern Sierra. Below Hangman's Bridge downstream to the Nevada state line regulations are catch and release with zero limit. All other lakes and streams in the Hope Valley area are five-fish limit with no size limit. The East Fork offers good bank and fly fishing for rainbow, Lahontan cutthroat, brown trout, and mountain whitefish.
• West Fork – About 25 minutes from South Lake Tahoe, the west fork flows from Faith Valley through the length of the Hope Valley until it meets the east fork in Carson Valley. This is a very accessible river since the entire length is along Highway 88 or the paved Blue Lakes Road. The river is stocked regularly with rainbow and cutthroat trout.
Fish in the Lake Tahoe area:

Lake Tahoe
Tahoe is open for fishing all year except within 300 feet of the mouth of any stream. Spring is the best for Rainbow and Brown trout. Deep-dwelling Mackinaw is the most popular fish and caught year round. Kokanee salmon are found on the south shore summer through fall. Hire a guide for boat fishing or head toward Cave Rock on the Nevada side and fish from the shore. Find good shore fishing at Dollar Point, Crystal Bay Point, along the East Shore south of Sand Harbor, and the West Shore below Tahoe City.

Fallen Leaf Lake
A short distance to the west of south shore Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf is the second largest lake in the Tahoe Basin. This lake is best fished by boat, trolling or drifting for mackinaw, rainbow and brown trout. There has been some success with replenishing the native Lahontan cutthroat trout. Much of the shoreline is private property so shore fishing is only fair. For boat launching, the Fallen Leaf Marina is located at the southern end of the lake. From Hwy 89 in South Lake, take Fallen Leaf Road.


Staff reports, tahoe.com and reno.com