Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Tahoe National Forest is a favorite recreation area for fishing, hunting and shooting. Learn more about each opportunity below.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Tahoe National Forest provides an endless number of fishing opportunities for the experienced and beginning angler. High mountain lakes, reservoirs and small ponds offer just about every setting one could ask for to relax and fish or just enjoy the magnificent scenery.
There are over 20,000 surface acres of lakes on the Tahoe National Forest. They range in size from small, high mountain potholes to large reservoirs that store water for domestic uses. The lakes which are capable of supporting fisheries on the Forest primarily contain cold water fish such as trout. About one quarter of the large lakes (e.g. Bullard's Bar and Sugar Pine Reservoirs) provide fishing for warm water gamefish.
River and Stream Fishing
There are more than 1,500 miles of streams and rivers to fish on the Tahoe National Forest. The great majority of forest streams do not receive plantings of trout but support "natural" or "wild" trout fisheries. Historical uses of many of the streams have affected the quality of fish habitat and reduced fish populations. The Tahoe National Forest is committed to protecting and maintaining all existing stream habitat for fish and other aquatic species and to improving that habitat through rehabilitation and improvement projects.
Hunting
Follow California State laws and regulations pertaining to hunting, including seasons, dates and licensing. For licenses, regulations and detailed game unit information, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Licenses are available Online, at any CDFW License Sales Office or License Agent.
Most of the public land on the Tahoe National Forest is open to hunting. There are sections within the Forest boundaries that are privately owned land holdings and their owners often post their lands against hunting, fishing or trespass.
Remember, firearms cannot be discharged from a road, across a road, across a body of water or within 150 yards of a campground or inhabited area. Always exercise proper caution when handling firearms. Keep in mind that other visitors, loggers, private land owners or others with business in the Forest could be nearby, even if they are not visible.
Recreational and Target Shooting
As a recreation shooter using the Federal Lands, it is your responsibility to conduct your sport safely. You must be aware of and comply with all state, county, and federal laws pertaining to the possession and transportation of firearms and to do it without damage to other forest users and to the natural environment.
Note: Additional shooting restrictions may be implemented as fire danger increases. Always check for current fire restriction guidelines.
Federal Rules:
- According to the Code of Federal Regulations (title 36), recreational shooting can take place on the National Forests and Grasslands under these conditions:
- You are at least 150 yards from a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation area or occupied area.
- You are not shooting across or on a National Forest System Road or an adjacent body of water.
- You are not shooting into or within a cave.
- You are not shooting in any manner or place where any person, property or resource is exposed to injury or damage due to such discharge.
- You are not firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition.
Fundamentals of shooting:
- Treat every gun as if as if it is loaded.
- Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
- Always be sure of your target and what is beyond.
- Ricochets can cause fires. Conditions in the forest can be dry at any time of year. When shooting firearms, please take safety precautions and be mindful that hot projectiles and sparks from ricochets can ignite fires in dry, grassy, brushy fuels.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Baltimore Lake
Boca Campground
Boca Reservoir
Boca Rest Campground
Boca Springs Campground
Bowman Campground
Boyington Mill Campground
Canyon Creek Campground
Carr Lake Campground
Convict Flat Picnic Site
