Carnelian Bay Fishing Guides
Carnelian Bay fishing guides work Lake Tahoe’s north shore in California for deep-water Mackinaw, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon, with seasonal shoreline and nearshore action in the coves and drop-offs.
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Carnelian Bay, CA Fishing Guide
Fishing out of Carnelian Bay puts you right on top of some of Northern California’s deepest and clearest water—and that means lake trout. This part of the lake fishes big and fishes deep. Most guides here run aluminum or glass deep-Vs set up for jigging, trolling, and long runs across Tahoe’s northern basin. Half-day and full-day trips are standard. We usually launch right out of Carnelian Bay’s public pier, or nearby at Tahoe Vista or Kings Beach depending on the wind.
This stretch of Lake Tahoe offers structure, depth, and access. Mackinaw are the main draw here—locals call them Macs—and we fish them year-round. In summer, they hold deep—200 to 300 feet—tight to contour lines and ledges off the north shore. We drop jigs right on their heads or troll tight to bottom with spoons and flatfish. Spring and fall bring rainbows into the mix, especially around creek mouths and gravel flats near Agate Bay and Carnelian Creek.
Summer also kicks off the kokanee salmon bite, which is a solid option on full-day runs. These fish are smaller but fast, and when they’re stacked up at 60–80 feet, it’s a rod-bender every pass. We troll dodgers and hoochies in clean water—usually on light gear for fun action. Rainbows stick to the edge zones, and when conditions are right, we’ll cast or troll small spoons and plugs off drop-offs and points.
Winter slows the traffic but not the bite. When the ramps are open and it’s safe to launch, we’re still getting on fish. Some of the best Mackinaw bites happen in January and February on calm mornings when nobody else is around. It’s classic cold-water California fishing—big trout, no crowds, and quiet water.
Fishing Seasons in Carnelian Bay
Spring (March–May)
As soon as lake access opens up on the California side, we’re chasing Macs off the bottom and rainbows near shore. Water clarity changes fast this time of year, but fish get active as things warm up. We work jigs in 60–150 feet or run downriggers just above the rocks. Rainbows cruise the shoreline and creek mouths. Some days are windier, but when it lays down, this is a great time to fish out of Carnelian Bay.
Summer (June–August)
Peak season for guided fishing in Northern California. Mackinaw are deep and feeding early, so we’re on the lake at first light. Jigging or trolling down 200–300 feet is standard. Kokanee salmon start showing up mid-summer—usually stacked at mid-depth in cooler pockets of water. Rainbows are a bonus, especially if the wind pushes surface bait around shoreline points. This is the most consistent fishing window, and we run trips every day it’s calm.
Fall (September–November)
Cooler water pushes fish up in the column. Jigging becomes more effective again, and trolling shorter lines over shallower structure starts producing. Rainbows get active near creek inlets, and we’ll work plugs or small spoons behind planer boards early and late. Kokanee wind down quickly by mid-September. If you’re looking for a low-pressure bite window on Lake Tahoe, fall in Carnelian Bay delivers.
Winter (December–February)
When the ramps stay open, we fish right through the cold. This is when Northern California trout fishing gets quiet and big. Macs move a bit shallower and hit heavier jigs or tight-line rigs. You’ve got to dress for it, but some of our heaviest fish come in winter when there’s no competition. Calm days, cold water, and no ski traffic—just a clean drop and tight drag.
Gamefish in Carnelian Bay
- Mackinaw (Lake Trout) – 3–20+ pounds. Fished deep year-round on Lake Tahoe’s north shore using jigs, tubes, or trolling spoons off Carnelian Bay.
- Rainbow Trout – 1–5 pounds. Targeted spring and fall around shoreline drop-offs and creek mouths; caught on spoons, plugs, or drifted jigs.
- Kokanee Salmon – 1–2.5 pounds. Summer species in Northern California lakes; taken trolling hoochies and dodgers at 40–80 feet.
- Browns (rare) – 2–10 pounds. Occasionally caught trolling near rocky shorelines in spring or fall; best near creek mouths or deeper breaks.
- Smallmouth Bass – 1–3 pounds. Found near rocks and structure in warmer months; not a main target but caught incidentally on shallow flats.
- Lahontan Cutthroat (stocked) – 1–4 pounds. Stocked on the California side of Lake Tahoe; caught casting spoons or trolling small plugs near shorelines.
Carnelian Bay Fishing FAQs
What types of trips do Carnelian Bay fishing guides offer?
Guides run half-day and full-day trips targeting lake trout, rainbows, and kokanee salmon. Most fishing is done out of covered deep-Vs with jigging and trolling gear ready.
Where do fishing trips launch on the California side of Tahoe?
Most Carnelian Bay fishing trips launch from the public pier, Tahoe Vista Marina, or Kings Beach, all on the California side of Lake Tahoe’s north shore.
When is the best time to fish out of Carnelian Bay, CA?
June through September is best for consistency, with deep Mackinaw and kokanee fishing. Spring and fall offer good rainbow trout opportunities near shore.
Are these trips deep-water only?
Mainly, yes—especially in summer. We regularly fish 150–300 feet for lake trout. But in spring and fall, rainbows and browns can be caught much shallower.
Is Lake Tahoe fishing year-round on the California side?
Yes, as long as ramps are open and it’s safe to launch. Winter fishing is productive, especially for lake trout near Carnelian Bay.
Do I need a California fishing license?
Yes. You’ll need a valid California sport fishing license to fish Lake Tahoe’s north shore. Licenses are available online or at local tackle shops.
Are these trips kid-friendly?
They can be—especially half-day summer trips for kokanee or jigging lake trout. Let your guide know the age range so they can plan accordingly.
What should I bring on a charter?
Everything’s covered: rods, reels, downriggers, sonar, bait, and tackle. You just bring your fishing license, weather-appropriate layers, and anything you want to eat or drink.
Do California regulations affect what we can keep?
Yes. Lake Tahoe has species-specific limits, and size rules vary by fish. Your guide will handle all that—just know that some trips are more catch-and-release focused depending on what we’re targeting.