Stay updated with the latest California Freshwater regulations in the area.

<< Back to Fishing Report Main Page

Last Updated May 13th, 2025

Lakes Around the Truckee-Tahoe Area

Donner Lake

At Donner Lake, Mackinaw fishing remains strong for deep-water trollers using large Rapalas or Lyman lures at 100–120 feet, especially along the east shore and near the boat ramp. Water clarity is excellent and surface temps hover in the lower 50s°F during the morning, climbing a bit in the mid-afternoon. The kokanee bite is developing at 40 feet deep. Shore anglers are seeing sporadic rainbow trout action near the boat ramp on PowerBait and nightcrawlers. Low-light hours improve catch rates so morning is the best bite right now. Donner Lake capacity is currently at 85%.

Boca Reservoir

At Boca Reservoir, water levels continue to rise with the winter water shuffle, changing shoreline conditions daily. Shore fishing near the dam and southeastern banks has been productive using worms or PowerBait. Trollers are connecting with trout and kokanee near the center of the lake, especially around the 40–50 foot depth with flashers and small Rapalas. Fly anglers should target the inlet with streamers and leeches. Exercise caution near muddy shoreline access. Current capacity is 90%

Stampede Reservoir

Kokanee action is getting better daily at Stampede Reservoir. Most fish are small right now, but aggressive. Troll pink and orange hoochies behind dodgers in 15 feet of water, particularly near the dam and across the main basin. Trout are rising early and can be taken with small leeches or woolly buggers near the inlet. Surface temps are in the upper 50°F. Boat ramps are open and parking is readily available. Expect variable kokanee action depending on the day. Stampede Reservoir capacity is currently at 90%

Prosser Creek Reservoir

At Prosser Creek Reservoir, water temperatures are climbing into the mid 50s°F. Trout action has slowed since the spawn, but some fish are still being taken on PowerBait and spoons from shore at the north end. Bass are beginning to push into shallows—target them near warming coves or weed lines. Float tubers and kayakers are doing well with streamers and nymphs under indicators. Early morning and evening hours are still the best for the most bites. Current lake level is around 68% capacity.

Jackson Meadows

Access still remains limited at Jackson Meadows due to some residual snow and muddy roads. Once accessible, anglers can expect red-hot early-season fishing for rainbows feeding aggressively post-winter. Small spoons, worms, and streamers will be the go-to offerings. Just to note, anglers will not be able to launch boats at this fishery this summer to prevent the infestation of the highly invasive golden mussel.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe's spring bite is on fire! Water temps hover around 50–55°F, with exceptional clarity thanks to low algae levels—the best in 40 years . Mackinaw are hitting hard between 70–120 ft; troll Rapalas or jig white/chartreuse tubes tipped with sucker meat. Anglers are averaging 3–5 fish per rod . Rainbows and browns are moving shallower—try spoons or flies near shore. Kokanee are staging deeper (55–75 ft), responding well to wedding rings behind flashers . For fly anglers, midges and BWOs are productive in the afternoons. Focus efforts on the southwest and north shores.

Pyramid Lake

At Pyramid Lake, fishing continues to improve post-spawn. Lahontan Cutthroat are active from Pelican Point to Warrior. Fly anglers using midges from ladders are still catching a few fish, especially in the early morning and evening hours. Trolling 35–50 feet deep with Flatfish, Sierra spoons, or Lymans is working well. The fish are aggressive and cruising for food. The lake is at full capacity with excellent access across all major beaches.