ARTIFICIAL LURE'S LAKE TAHOE FISHING REPORT - May 5, 2025

Mornin' anglers! Artificial Lure here with your fresh Lake Tahoe fishing report for this beautiful Monday morning.

The fishing around Big Blue is really heating up as we push into May! Water temps are climbing nicely, sitting in that 50-55 degree range in the surrounding waterways, creating perfect conditions for active fish. The clarity in Lake Tahoe is exceptional this season - we've seen the lowest algae counts in 40 years, making for some spectacular visibility.

Mackinaw action continues to be the highlight on the main lake. These lake trout are feeding aggressively at depths between 70-120 feet. Your best bet is trolling with Rapalas or jigging with white and chartreuse tubes tipped with a little something tasty. Folks have been averaging 3-5 fish per rod, which ain't too shabby for a day on the water!

Rainbow trout activity has picked up considerably along the shorelines. This is prime time for bank anglers, as these rainbows move closer to shore during the warmer days. If you're heading out today, get on the water early - these spring mornings with the sun coming up over the mountains are something special.

For those looking to target Kokanee salmon, they're holding at about 50-75 feet down. Wedding rings behind a Tahoe Trolling Flasher have been the ticket - you can grab these at Tahoe Bait and Tackle if you need to stock up.

Over on the Truckee River, conditions are good but flows are starting to drop as ranchers begin irrigating. Currently running about 220cfs at the Portola gauge. The dry-dropper rig is still king here. March Brown Mayflies are hatching in the mornings, with PMDs and Blue Wing Olive spinners in the mix too. The trout are keying in on those March Brown duns and BWO spinners something fierce.

Hot spots for today: East shore of Donner Lake has been productive, especially near the boat ramp for Macks. On the Middle Fork Feather, beginners have been landing plenty of 10-12 inchers with some bigger fish mixed in.

Fly fishers should try Raindrop Perdigons sizes 14-16, Crystal Warriors, or Simple Stoneflies. For dries, March Brown Duns (14) and Parachute Adams (14-16) are getting looks. Conventional anglers can't go wrong with those Rapalas or tube jigs right now.

Remember your fishing license - either California or Nevada will do on the big lake, but you need the specific state license for tributary streams.

Get out there while the getting's good, folks! May offers some of the best conditions of the year with active fish and beautiful weather. Tight lines until next time!