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.