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The best fishing spots around Tahoe are usually kept as secret as a gold miner's claim. But the following locations have been shared with us. Each spot listed has a number corresponding to the map. For more detail, consult the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit map, available from most Forest Service offices for $3.00 plus tax.

1. Upper Truckee River - The Upper Truckee is fed from the waters of Meiss Country south of HIghway 89. Fishing is good in the deep pools during the early part of fishing season.

2. Echo Lakes - Just a short drive off of Highway 50, you can try both boat and shore fishing here. shore fishing is usually good from the dam. Please respect the rights of private property and homeowners around the lake.

3. Sawmill Pond - A stocked pond for children 15 years of age and under. Adults are allowed to help children fish but are not allowed to fish themselves. The pond is located 1 mile south of South Lake Tahoe along Lake Tahoe Boulevard.

4. Fallen Leaf Lake - The best fishing is from a boat, but occasionaly fish can be taken from the shore with a good cast. The lake is a short walk from Fallen Leaf Lake Road or Fallen Leaf Campground. Fishing with-in 250 feet of the dam is illegal.

5. Lake Tahoe - The best fishing is in deep water from a boat. For shore fishing, try places where the shoreline drops off quickly such as Rubicon Point on the west shore or Cave Rock on the east shore. A day use fee is charged at both of these areas. Fishing is closed in the lake within 300 feet of its tributaries and upstream to the first lake from October 1 through June 30. The rest of the year the entire lake is open.

6. Truckee River - Lake Tahoe's only outlet, the Truckee starts it's journey from Lake Tahoe's dam at Tahoe City and continues along Highway 89 to the town of Truckee. Fishing is closed year around from the dam to 1,000 feet downstream. Certain other sections of the Truckee are closed year around. Check the fishing regulations for specific information.

8. Carson River, East Fork - Closed to all fishing above Carson Falls. From Hangmans' Bridge (south of Markleeville) downstream to the Nevada state line, there is a minimum size limit of 14 inches and you must use artificial lures with single barbless hooks.

9. Blue Lakes - A series of lakes located south of the Tahoe Basin, 12 miles off of Highway 88. At over 8,000 feet they are some of the highest lakes accessible by automobile. Camping is available nearby. fishing is reported to be good off the dams where the two lakes connect.