Q-Tip: Fish North Lake Tahoe

If you are interested in Mackinaw trout fishing at the north end of Lake Tahoe, here is some basic information:

HOW TO GET THERE: Take U.S. 50 west to Spooner Summit. At Spooner Summit, take S.R. 28 to the north end of the lake.

WHERE TO FISH: From a boat, on the California side, in front of the Carnelian Bay-King's Beach area. You'll be fishing in deep water, anywhere from 250 to 550 feet deep.

HOW TO FISH: Troll from a boat and use either a downrigger or steel line with heavy lead weights to get down to that deep water. Troll with large, silver-colored flasher blades, such as a Herring Dodger, with either live minnows, 3-inch rubber minnows, pearl-colored Apex Lures, or large, white-colored Silver Horde lures. Fish very early in the morning. Your best chance for success will normally be in the first several hours of daylight.

WHAT YOU'LL CATCH: Mackinaw (lake) trout, up to 10-pounds or larger. However, the average size will be in the 4-6 pound class class. You can also catch an occasional good-sized rainbow trout or a small Kokanee salmon.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS: You must have either a Nevada or a California fishing license. If you have a California license, you must wear it where it is readily visible above the waist.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS: The lake limit is five fish and not more than two of them can be Mackinaw trout. There is no size limit.

SPECIAL NOTE: It is essential that you have an electronic fish finder to know the depth of the water where you are fishing.

SPECIAL NOTE: If you have your own fishing boat, you can launch at Sand Harbor on the Nevada side of the lake. If you don't have a boat, there are a number of sport fishing guides located at the north end of the lake. Those guides provide all of your fishing gear, with trips lasting 3-5 hours and costing $55-$75 per person. They can also sell you a 2-day, California fishing license for $10.

FOR INFORMATION: Call Mickey Daniels of Mickey's Big Mack Charters at Carnelian Bay at (800) 877-1462.