Fishing at Tamarack Lake, Alpine County, California

• Overview

  Tamarack Lake is an Alpine County water, California side. This is farm and woodlot ground. At 23 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Gardnerville Ranchos is the closest town at 21 miles. Reno is the closest city, 63 miles away. Nearest other option: 0.9 miles away is Lily Pad Lake, Hellhole Lake (1 mile), 1.2 miles away is Upper Sunset Lake, Lower Sunset Lake (1.4 miles) and 1.6 miles away is Summit Lake. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Tamarack Lake

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Open biodiversity records for Alpine County list brook trout, rainbow trout, great basin cutthroat trout and cutthroat trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of Tamarack Lake decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 25°F in January and 58°F in August. Most months fish reasonably, given the right weather. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Plan around that when you fish Tamarack Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Expect a half a mile walk in from where the car goes. Trout here take small spinners, spoons and, where fly water allows, a nymph or dry. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Failing this one, try Lily Pad Lake, 0.9 miles away. Ask locally about Tamarack Lake if anything is unclear.