Lake TahoeLake Tahoe. What can I say? It is the largest Alpine lake in North America. It is twenty-two miles long and twelve miles wide. It’s depth is 1,645 feet. It formed a million years ago when volcanic eruptions sealed two gorges in what were to be named the Sierra Nevada mountains. Then glacial run-off filled the deep canyon, and Lake Tahoe was born. Sixty-three streams and rivers continue to keep it filled. It is almost crystal clear and supremely beautiful.Once you live near Lake Tahoe, a sense of stewardship sets in. The original Washoe people lived on the shores of Lake Tahoe for 5,000 seasons. It was considered to be so sacred that it took two weeks of ceremony to approach Cave Rock each year. I have no idea what the consequences are for blowing a tunnel through the sacred rock to make way for Highway 50. I just know I say a prayer for forgiveness each time I pass through it. |
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Fishing Lake Tahoe presents some serious challenges. For one thing: access. Not only is the shoreline developed with homes and hotels, but the shallows at the shores extend quite a ways out. In much of it, there appears to be three levels of the water. The shallowest is so clear that the water looks tan because the sand is so clearly visible through it. Tourists accuse us of making the water “all dirty.” As it gets deeper, it appears to be aquamarine. Then when the serious depth begins, it has an intense dark blue cast. These levels are so distinct that tourists have been known to delight locals when they run into stores to purchase 3 containers for the “three colors of water” in Lake Tahoe. “You want three containers, eh? Sure thing…” (heh, heh). It’s difficult to find spots with deep enough water to be able to fish from the banks. I have seen a young boy toss a line over the guard rail at Reagan Beach on the south shore and catch a nice hefty Brown. He was so excited that he went over the guardrail to retrieve the fish! If you get permission, you could fish from private boat docks, or you can stand at the guardrails of the public beaches (Cave Rock) and fish from shore... |