5.0(1 Reviews)Family Friendly Fishing Charter Lake Tahoe
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Familyfriendly Lake Tahoe fishing charter with Captain BradTargets Mackinaw and Trout with all gear providedAccommodates up to four guests with daily availability
Captain Brad's family fishing charters on Lake Tahoe deliver everything you want in a day on the water – calm mornings, steady action, and plenty of laughs with the crew. This isn't your typical crowded boat experience. With space for just four guests, you get personal attention whether you're helping your kids land their first fish or finally trying that technique you've been reading about. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and targets the lake's premier species including Chinook salmon, lake trout, and coho salmon. All your gear is covered, so you can focus on what matters most – making memories and filling the cooler.
Your Lake Tahoe fishing adventure starts with Captain Brad walking everyone through the game plan for the day. He'll explain exactly where you're headed and why certain spots produce better results based on current conditions, water temperature, and fish movement patterns. The boat launches early to take advantage of prime fishing hours when the lake is glass-smooth and fish are most active. This is genuine inshore fishing at its finest – you're not battling seasickness or rough conditions, just enjoying the peaceful mountain scenery while waiting for that telltale tug on your line. Captain Brad keeps things relaxed but educational, sharing local knowledge about fish behavior and lake conditions that turn first-timers into confident anglers. The whole experience runs at a comfortable pace that works perfectly for families with different skill levels.
Captain Brad provides all the fishing equipment you'll need, from rods and reels to tackle and bait. No need to worry about bringing the wrong setup or forgetting essential gear – everything is ready to go and perfectly matched to Lake Tahoe's fishing conditions. The techniques focus on proven methods that work consistently in these alpine waters. You'll primarily use trolling setups with downriggers to reach the deeper zones where the big lake trout hang out, plus lighter tackle for salmon that cruise closer to the surface. The captain adjusts tactics throughout the day based on what's working, whether that means switching lure colors, changing depths, or moving to different sections of the lake. He'll teach you how to read the fish finder, recognize strikes, and properly fight fish without losing them at the boat. Even kids pick up the basics quickly with his patient instruction style.
"We went out on Lake Tahoe around 10 a.m.. It was a beautiful day with calm waters. Captain Brad explained where we were fishing and why. He also explained the fish that we may catch. We caught lots of fish that Captain Brad filleted for us and put into a plastic bag for us to transport home. They were very tasty. We had a great time fishing with Captain Brad." - Joanne
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe fishing and what many anglers travel here specifically to target. These powerful fish typically range from 15 to 25 pounds, though specimens over 30 pounds get caught every season. Chinooks prefer the cooler, deeper waters and are most active during early morning and evening hours when they move up in the water column to feed. They put up an amazing fight with long runs and aerial displays that get everyone on the boat excited. The best fishing happens from late spring through early fall when these salmon are actively feeding and building up fat reserves. What makes catching Chinook so special is their combination of size, strength, and excellent eating quality – they're the perfect fish to showcase Lake Tahoe's world-class freshwater fishing.
Lake trout, locally called Mackinaw, are the lake's apex predator and can live for decades in these deep, cold waters. These fish grow large and fight deep, using their powerful bodies to dive toward the bottom when hooked. Most lake trout caught on Captain Brad's charters range from 5 to 15 pounds, but the lake holds fish over 30 pounds for anglers willing to target the deepest spots. They're active year-round but fishing peaks in late fall and winter when they move into shallower areas to spawn. Lake trout are incredibly fun to catch because they fight differently than salmon – instead of flashy jumps, they use brute strength and endurance to test your tackle and patience. Their firm, white meat makes excellent table fare when prepared correctly.
Coho salmon bring explosive action to Lake Tahoe fishing with their acrobatic fighting style and aggressive feeding behavior. These silver bullets typically weigh between 8 to 15 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Coho are most active in the top 40 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they chase schools of baitfish near the surface. They respond well to flashy lures and bright colors, making them exciting targets for anglers who enjoy visual fishing techniques. The peak season runs from mid-summer through early fall when water temperatures and food availability create ideal conditions. Coho salmon are prized not just for their fighting ability but also for their rich, flavorful meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking after your trip.
Captain Brad's family fishing charters represent the best way to experience Lake Tahoe's legendary fishing without any of the hassle or uncertainty. You get expert guidance, quality equipment, and access to productive fishing spots that take years of local knowledge to discover on your own. The small group size means personalized attention for every angler, whether you're teaching kids the basics or looking to land your personal best. Plus, Captain Brad handles the fish cleaning and packaging, so you head home with professionally filleted fish ready for the dinner table. These top-rated charters book up quickly, especially during peak season, so contact Captain Brad directly to check availability and secure your dates. Don't miss your chance to create lasting fishing memories on one of America's most beautiful alpine lakes.
The 25-foot River Wild boat puts you right where the Mackinaw and Trout are biting on Lake Tahoe. Built in 2018 with twin 250HP Yamaha engines, this fishing machine cruises at 28 knots to get you to the hotspots fast. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on track across the lake's vast waters. VHF radio ensures clear communication throughout your trip. Captain Brad knows these waters inside and out, guiding families and first-timers to the best fishing spots Lake Tahoe has to offer. With room for your whole crew and all gear provided, you can focus on landing that trophy fish while enjoying the crystal-clear mountain lake setting.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, also called King salmon, are the heavyweights of Lake Tahoe - typically running 12-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 40+. These silver-sided beauties with dark backs and black-spotted fins are built for power, not speed. They prefer the cooler depths, usually 60-120 feet down where the water stays cold year-round. Early morning and evening are prime time since they avoid bright sunlight. What makes Kings special is their fight - they're bulldogs that dive deep and stay down there. The meat is rich, orange-pink, and absolutely primo eating. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they move up in the water column. My go-to tip: use heavy tackle and keep your drag smooth - these fish will test every piece of gear you've got. When you hook one, be patient and let the fish tire itself out.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers as we call them, are pure adrenaline on a line. Running 8-12 pounds on average, these acrobatic fighters will jump clean out of the water when hooked - sometimes 6 feet straight up. They've got that classic salmon look with dark blue-green backs, bright silver sides, and just a few black spots on the tail. Cohos cruise the mid-depths, usually 40-80 feet, and they're aggressive feeders. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're actively hunting. What makes them special is that aerial show - no other fish in Tahoe fights like a silver. The orange-red meat is top shelf too. My advice: keep your drag set light and rod tip up. When they jump, bow to them by dropping that rod tip or they'll throw the hook. Bright spoons and plugs work great, but don't be afraid to downsize your gear.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake Trout, what we call Mackinaw here on Tahoe, are the lake's true giants. These char family members can hit 20-30 pounds easily, with grey-green backs and cream-colored spots covering their sides. They live deep - we're talking 80-200 feet down where it stays cold all year. Spring and fall are your best shots when they come up a bit, but summer means going deep with downriggers. What guests love about Macks is the steady, powerful fight and the excellent eating - firm, white meat that's perfect for the table. They're ambush predators hanging near structure or suspended in open water. Here's my trick: when jigging, work that lure slow and steady. These fish don't rush their meals, so patience pays off. Drop down to where your fish finder shows them and keep that bait moving just enough to look alive.
5.0 out of 5.0We went out on Lake Tahoe around 10 a.m.. It was a beautiful day with calm waters. Captain Brad explained where we were fishing ...
Carnelian Bay, CA