Tahoe Trout Farm

DETAILS:

• Location: 1023 Blue Lake Ave. So. Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

• Hours of Operation: Daily - 10AM to 5PM (the season is usually mid-April through October)

• Parking: Free parking on site.

• Cost:

  • $10 for fishing pole, bait, and several other fishing tools.

  • $12/fish starting at 10 inches. Price increases per inch thereafter.

  • $1/fish for gutting.

  • $5/fish for filleting.

  • $10/bag for vacuum-sealing, depending on net amount.

• Time Commitment: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

• MISC:

  • No pets allowed.

  • No restrooms on site.

  • Catch and release is NOT allowed. All caught fish must be purchased or donated back to the farm.

  • Caught fish can be cooked for you at MacDuff’s Pub (near Heavenly Village). Reservations are required and the fish must be delivered already gutted.

  • Tips encouraged.

Family-owned and operated for over 75 years, Tahoe Trout Farm is the little engine that could, turning itself into one of the stalwart small businesses in all of Lake Tahoe. The farm’s two ponds are replenished by Trout Creek, and since this is Lake Tahoe, that means it’s some of the freshest water in the country, providing a healthy habitat for the steelhead rainbow trout, trophy trout and golden trout that make their home here, all sourced from Mt. Lassen Trout Farm.

On most days, you’ll be greeted by Jim; the owner, when you arrive. He’ll give you a short spiel, detailing instructions and advice before sending you off to catch your bounty. For ten dollars, you’ll receive bait (worms & fish eggs), a push-button fishing pole (you can use your own rod and tackle if you want), a bucket for caught fish, a bonker (to knock your fish out), and a cloth if you don’t want to touch the fish directly. The larger pond is stocked with the most fish while the smaller pond holds the farm’s largest fish if you’re looking for some (relative) bigger game that you can claim you caught out on Lake Tahoe itself. Nets are located around the property to secure your catch.

To call this fishing is an over-exaggeration since you’re pretty much assured a bite with each cast. The only question is which type of trout you’ll snag and how big, but I promise that the joy of catching a fish at Tahoe Trout Farm is very “reel” and it’ll provide some of the best fish you’ve ever had the pleasure of eating!

 

RESOURCES:

• Tahoe Trout Farm website

• MacDuff’s Pub phone number: 530-542-8777