FISHING > GENERAL INFORMATION: Lake Tahoe Recreation.com (Ltrec.com)
Excerpted from the Sport Fishing Rules and Regulations booklet. For complete copies of the Rules and Regulations contact either the Nevada Department of Fish and Game (775) 784-6214, or California Department of Fish and Game (530) 355-7090. Now pay attention!
Licenses
Any person, 16 years of age of over, fishing in Lake Tahoe must have in his or her possession either a valid California sport fishing license with appropriate stamps or a valid Nevada fishing license.
Seasons
Lake Tahoe is open to fishing year around, except for the tributary streams. For regulations covering these streams, consult fishing regulations for both states.
Hours
Fishing is legal in Lake Tahoe one hour before sunrise to two after sunset.
Limits
Limit of 5 game fish in possession, not more than 2 of which can be Mackinaw trout. The Mountain whitefish is separate from the game fish limit, you can have up to 15 Whitefish in possession per day.
Inspection
Fishing licenses, fishing tackle and fish in possession must be shown to any conservation officer, game warden or fish and game official from Nevada or California upon demand and along with suitable identification credentials, if required.
Tackle
It shall be lawful to take fish only with hook and line attached to a rod or reel held in the hand or closely attended. As used in this section, the word, "hook" shall be deemed to include not more than three baited hooks, no more than two plugs or lures, irrespective of the number of hooks or attractor blades attached thereto, to be attached to the line. Only one such combination of hooks, line and rod or reel shall be used by one person at any time.
Live Bait
No fish my be used for bait or possessed for use as bait in Lake Tahoe except non-game fish which are native to and taken from Lake Tahoe. Said non-game fish are limited to the following: Lahontan Redside Shiner, Tui Chum, Tahoe sucker, Lahontan Mountain Sucker. Puite Sculpin and Lahotan Speckled Dace.
Chumming
Chumming is prohibited in Lake Tahoe.
Spearfishing
Spearfishing is prohibited in Lake Tahoe.