What It’s Like to Fish Lake Tahoe 365 Days a Year — Captains Zach & Zach Tell All

“Some of the nicest days of the year are in the middle of winter. We call it ‘complete glass.’ No boat wakes, no wind—just a mirror.”
— Captain Zach Gordon, Tahoe Sports Fishing

Lake Tahoe isn’t just a scenic icon—it’s a world-class fishery. And if you’ve ever thought about getting out on the water here, this episode of the Sierra Rec Now Podcast is for you.

This week, we’re joined by Captain Zach Shearer and Captain Zach Gordon from Tahoe Sports Fishing, a legendary charter company that’s been operating on the lake since 1953. These two are part of a year-round fishing crew that takes guests out in all four seasons, through snowstorms, bluebird skies, and summer crowds—and they’ve got the fish stories (and record catches) to prove it.

365 Days a Year, 600 Feet Deep, and a 30lb Fish That Got Away

We get into the real-life experience of fishing Lake Tahoe—what it’s like to reel up a lake trout (aka Mackinaw) from 200 feet below the surface, how deep winter mornings often bring the calmest conditions, and why even the most seasoned fishermen hire these guys for local knowledge.

Whether you’re a first-time guest or an angler with your own gear, their team can make it happen. As Zach Shearer shared:

“We’ve had guests learn how to rig, bait, clean fish, and run downriggers on the same trip. But others just want to sit back, drink coffee, and wait for that rod to bend. We’re cool with either.”

🎧 What’s it Like Fishing Lake Tahoe All Year?

We dive into what makes Tahoe one of the most unique freshwater fishing destinations in the West—from snow-dusted winter mornings chasing mackinaw to warm summer evenings reeling in browns and kokanee. These guys have seen it all:

  • Record-breaking lake trout tipping the scales at 30+ lbs
  • Guests who reeled in the fish of a lifetime on their first trip
  • And the kind of “you had to be there” stories that make you want to drop everything and book a charter tomorrow.

And the best part? You don’t need a week. In fact, we talk about how just a half-day on the lake can give you a serious taste of the action—and still leave you time to hike Eagle Lake or hit the slopes at Heavenly the same day. Tahoe Triple remix anyone?

What’s Biting? Tahoe’s Fish Species (and a Record Catch)

Tahoe’s cold, clean waters offer a wide variety of sportfish:

  • Lake Trout (Mackinaw) – The main target year-round, and a true Tahoe classic.
  • Kokanee Salmon – Smaller, delicious fighters. Tahoe holds the California and Nevada state records.
  • Rainbow & Brown Trout – Hard-fighting, rare, and rewarding.
  • Lahontan Cutthroat Trout – Native species making a comeback through reintroduction efforts.

The Zachs even shared the story behind a 5.2 lb kokanee, the biggest ever caught in the lake—described as a “freak of nature” by their crew.

Don’t miss in this episode what both Captains favorite Lures and rig for fishing the lake! Watch the final three Questions as both Zach’s Share their favorite food in Lake Tahoe , where they would go fish, and what is that piece of gear they would never leave home with out? You guessed it is the perfect Lake Tahoe lure!

🎣 Why Tahoe Sports Fishing?

Started in 1953, Tahoe Sports Fishing is one of the longest-running outdoor recreation businesses on the lake. They launch multiple trips daily from Ski Run Marina, and whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned angler, they’ll make you feel right at home. Want to fish the Nevada side? California side? Doesn’t matter—Tahoe’s reciprocal licensing rules mean you’re good to go with either state’s fishing license.

And if you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to guide on this lake all year long, this conversation offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into a lifestyle built on early mornings, cold decks, and lifelong fish stories.

▶️ Watch or Listen Now:

🎥 Watch on YouTube:
👉 Fishing Lake Tahoe Year-Round – Full Episode

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & More:
Search Sierra Rec Now wherever you get your podcasts.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first Tahoe fishing trip or just want to hear a couple of pros share their passion for the lake, this episode is packed with authentic Sierra storytelling. Come for the fish, stay for the stories—and maybe even get inspired to chase your own Tahoe Triple.

📍 Book your trip or learn more: tahoesportfishing.com
🎣 Follow them @tahoesportsfishing
📰 Read more Sierra Rec adventures at sierrarecmagazine.com

Final Cast

Whether you’re a local who’s never cast a line or a visitor dreaming of the ultimate mountain-to-lake adventure, this episode captures what makes Lake Tahoe fishing so special—and why it’s never just about the fish.

Wherever you’re at, we hope the Sierra is in your future.
— Charlie Pankey, Sierra Rec Now Podcast