ActivitiesFishingGilmore Lake — Desolation
Gilmore Lake — Desolation
South Shore, fishing
In short: Gilmore Lake — Desolation is a spot for fishing in the Lake Tahoe area, on the South Shore. Known for: alpine lake; brook & rainbow trout; permit required.
Where it is
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Details
- Alpine lake
- Brook & rainbow trout
- Permit required
- 5mi hike from Glen Alpine
- Spectacular backcountry
Conditions today
- Right now
- 72°F, Sunny
- Today
- High 72°, low 48°
- Wind
- 8 mph
- Water temperature
- 65°F
- Lake level
- 6,222.4 ft
- TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
- ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
- FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°
Know before you go
- License
- You need a California or Nevada fishing license. Either one is valid anywhere on Lake Tahoe itself. Other lakes and streams follow the rules of the state they are in.
- Charters
- Most big Mackinaw are caught from charter boats working deep water. Boats leave from Tahoe City, Camp Richardson and other marinas, usually at first light.
- Small lakes
- Spooner Lake allows a 5-fish limit. Marlette Lake is catch-and-release with artificial lures only, July 15 to September 30.
- Kokanee run
- The October kokanee salmon run at Taylor Creek is one to watch rather than fish: there is a viewing platform at the visitor center.
More fishing within 5 miles
Nearest campgrounds
- Fallen Leaf Lake Campground1.9 mi, 206 sites
- Camp Richardson — RV Village2.9 mi, 98 sites
- Emerald Bay — Eagle Point3.5 mi, 97 sites