October Fishing in South Lake Tahoe
October is one of the most underrated times to fish Lake Tahoe. While summer brings warm weather and heavy crowds, fall brings something different — peaceful waters, cool mornings, and some of the best fishing action of the year. In South Lake Tahoe, October fishing centers around trophy lake trout (mackinaw), but rainbow trout, brown trout, and even kokanee salmon may also show up in the mix.
For anglers looking for fewer boats, crisp mountain air, and the chance to reel in a 10- to 20-pound mackinaw, October is prime time.
Why October Is Special for Fishing in Tahoe
The fall transition turns the lake into a feeding ground. Mackinaw sense winter is coming and feed heavily to bulk up, making them more aggressive and more likely to strike lures. Browns move in closer to shore as spawning season approaches, while rainbows stay active in cooler surface waters.
- Peak Mackinaw bite: Larger fish become easier to target in October.
- Less pressure: Fewer recreational boats and anglers on the water mean less competition.
- Scenic backdrop: Anglers get the bonus of golden aspens, snow-dusted peaks, and calm mornings.
October Weather Conditions on the Lake
Weather is the biggest factor to prepare for in October. Tahoe sits at over 6,200 feet, so even mild shifts feel dramatic:
- Mornings: 30s–40s °F, sometimes frosty at launch.
- Afternoons: 50s–60s °F, often sunny but with brisk breezes.
- Water temp: Usually between 55–60 °F, cooling quickly through the month.
- Winds: Light early, but gusts can roll in — another reason to fish with an experienced captain.
- Clothing tip: Wear thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, and bring gloves and a warm hat. You’ll want to shed layers as the sun climbs.
Where We Fish in October
While exact spots vary, October fishing often focuses on deep drop-offs and shelves where big mackinaw hold. Productive zones include:
- South Lake Tahoe: Deep channels and structure just minutes from the marina.
- Mid-lake drop-offs: Where depth changes concentrate baitfish.
- Points and ledges: Especially productive for jigging when trout are feeding close to structure.
Ideal Trip Length: Full-Day Charters
A full-day charter is highly recommended in October. Here’s why:
- Feeding windows can shift, and a full day gives you coverage of both morning and midday bites.
- Cooler water allows fish to feed longer, but activity still ebbs and flows.
- Trophy fish often require patience and persistence.
For anglers who want a shorter option, half-day trips can still produce, but the best odds of a trophy come with more time on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Expect action — and big fish. October trips often deliver:
- Mackinaw lake trout: averaging 5–15 lbs, with chances of 20+ lb trophies.
- Brown trout: moving shallow in preparation for spawning.
- Rainbow trout: cruising mid-depths and providing hard fights.
- Kokanee salmon: (if still present), bright red in spawning colors.
It’s not unusual to land multiple species in one trip. Add in Tahoe’s fall scenery — glassy water, snowy peaks, and golden shoreline — and October fishing becomes just as much about the experience as the catch.
Techniques That Work in October
October fishing calls for versatility:
- Deep trolling: with plugs, spoons, or dodgers to reach suspended macks.
- Vertical jigging: with heavy spoons in 100–200 feet of water when fish school tightly.
- Flatlining: shallow lures for browns and rainbows near structure.
- Live bait setups: (where regulations allow) for a natural presentation.
Techniques That Work in October
October fishing calls for versatility:
- Book early: Fall is quieter, but prime weekends fill up.
- Arrive prepared: Layers of clothing, sunscreen (yes, even in October), and polarized sunglasses.
- Start early: The morning bite is often strongest before 10 a.m.
- Trust your captain: Weather shifts fast in the mountains, and experience is everything when it comes to finding active fish.
Techniques That Work in October
October may not be the busiest month in Tahoe, but for anglers, it just might be the best. Whether you’re chasing a trophy lake trout, looking for variety with rainbows and browns, or simply want to fish in one of the most scenic settings in the country, South Lake Tahoe delivers in October.
At Mile High Fishing Charters, our captains have decades of experience putting anglers on fish in every season. We handle the gear, the tackle, and the strategy — you just show up ready to reel.
