Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
+26If you're here to make the most of fishing in South Lake Tahoe, look no further than Tahoe Topliners Sportfishing. Captain Mike will be your guide, offering 29 years of guiding experience.
Captain Mike has guided clients to the last 4 Tahoe Lake record Brown Trout, nearly broke the state record Kokanee, and annually catches some of the largest Lake Trout in the states of California and Nevada. Ask any locals who is the best on the lake and the answer will always come back Tahoe Topliners Sportfishing. Twenty-eight years of dedication have brought them a 75% repeat clientele.
Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Sockeye Salmon, and more can be found in these waters, depending on when you go. You can expect to do some light tackle fishing, trolling, drifting, jigging, or maybe something more specialized in this area.
Capt. Mike operates a 23' Aluminum fishing with a capacity for 6 passengers. Rods, reels, and tackle are covered by the charter, as well as lures. Live bait is available, but it's good to ask about this so you know if you'll be catching it yourself.
You might need to get a local fishing license before the trip. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species may be off-limits or require a special tag, so make sure you know what to expect.
Capt. Mike is happy to have kids aboard, so the whole family can come and unplug for the day! A few items to bring include snacks, drinks, sunblock (non-spray), and sunglasses. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, so long as you avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.
Give yourself something to look forward to and book a trip with Tahoe Topliners Sportfishing!
Captain
Mike Nielsen
Most popular features:
Trip availability and prices
In demand! Last booked: 1 day ago
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (29)
+26Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
87%
Caught fish
100%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great experience!
5 Hour Trip on June 28, 2025
Captain Mike and the boat were terrific. The fish didn't cooperate as much as we would have liked, but the experience was great for me and my sons. We did catch a couple of fish and learned so much about Lake Tahoe - the history of the whole area and different stories about the lake. I asked a lot of questions and Captain Mike was really knowledgeable about so many things relating to the area! I will look to do another fishing trip with Tahoe Topliners Fishing, and I would recommend them to anyone looking to book a fishing charter at South Lake Tahoe.
Captain Mike and the boat were terrific. The fish didn't cooperate as much as we would have liked, but the experience was great for me and my sons. We did catch a couple of fish and learned so much about Lake Tahoe - the history of the whole area and different stories about the lake. I asked a lot of questions and Captain Mike was really knowledgeable about so many things relating to the area! I will look to do another fishing trip with Tahoe Topliners Fishing, and I would recommend them to...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
BEST DAY OF FISHING EVER!!
5 Hour Trip on July 20, 2024
EXCELLENT TRIP! This was a surprise Birthday trip for my husband and his best friend. Captain Mike was AWESOME and a TRUE EXPERT at his craft. He took us to places where the fish were biting and explained everything we needed to know to ensure that we had a successful fishing trip, and boy, did we ever! He was very friendly, professional, and gave us an education of the lake. He took us around the lake and showed us a beautiful waterfall with a castle in Emerald Bay. He did a great job! We will be chartering Mike again!! Mike, thanks so much for the memories that will last us a lifetime!
EXCELLENT TRIP! This was a surprise Birthday trip for my husband and his best friend. Captain Mike was AWESOME and a TRUE EXPERT at his craft. He took us to places where the fish were biting and explained everything we needed to know to ensure that we had a successful fishing trip, and boy, did we ever! He was very friendly, professional, and gave us an education of the lake. He took us around the lake and showed us a beautiful waterfall with a castle in Emerald Bay. He did a great job! We...
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great day with Captain Mike
5 Hour Trip on June 3, 2025
Took my son and 2 grandsons out for a day of fishing. Captain Mike met all our expectations plus +. He got us on the fish and kept us going all morning. Equipment was top notch and Captain Mike was very knowledgeable about the Lake. I would recommend him and when we return he’ll be my go to guy.
Took my son and 2 grandsons out for a day of fishing. Captain Mike met all our expectations plus +. He got us on the fish and kept us going all morning. Equipment was top notch and Captain Mike was very knowledgeable about the Lake. I would recommend him and when we return he’ll be my go to guy.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Capt Mile Fishing Dad
5 Hour Trip (Shared) on October 13, 2024
Mike was great! Gave us a great trip. My son and I had an awesome time. We caught our limit. He was knowledgeable and kept lines in the water at all times. Mike was very kind and patient with my 10 yr old son and was willing to take time to teach him about fishing and Tahoe. Thanks Capt Mike hope to see you next time we are in Tahoe.
Mike was great! Gave us a great trip. My son and I had an awesome time. We caught our limit. He was knowledgeable and kept lines in the water at all times. Mike was very kind and patient with my 10 yr old son and was willing to take time to teach him about fishing and Tahoe. Thanks Capt Mike hope to see you next time we are in Tahoe.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
June fishing trip
5 Hour Trip (Shared) on June 30, 2025
FAQs about Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
What are the trip rates for Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996?
Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996 offers the following trips to customers:
- US $250 per person - 5 Hour Trip (Shared) (5 hours)
- US $650 per group, additional US $100 per person after 4 guests - Kids Critter Cruise (3 hours)
- US $1,000 per group, additional US $200 per person after 4 guests - 5 Hour Trip (5 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996?
When you book a trip with Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
- Toilet Porta potty enclosure inside cabin, also full facilities at our harbor to use anytime.
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live Bait Well
- Outriggers
- Ice Box
What's included in the trip price with Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996?
Trips booked with Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996 include:
- Rods, reels & tackle
- Live Bait (We provide all live bait and tackle. We use Redside Shiners, Speckled Dace, Tui Chub , Tahoe Suckers, and occasionally Sculpin and Crawfish. All bait must be legally trapped from Tahoe and we DO carry the required Bait license!)
- Lures
- Catch cleaning & filleting (We specialize in filleting your catch and work closely with a local restaurant that will prepare your catch 3 different ways! We also can provide special homemade recipes!)
What types of fishing does Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996 offer?
Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996 offers the following type of fishing:
- Lake Fishing
What fishing techniques does Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996 offer?
Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996 offers the following fishing techniques:
- Light Tackle
- Trolling
- Jigging
- Drift Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996?
Top targeted fish species with Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996 include:
- Brown Trout
- Lake Trout
- Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
- Salmon (Sockeye)
Your captain
South Lake Tahoe, California, United States
Born and raised Tahoe native, I've been guiding Lake Tahoe since 1996 professionally with major sponsorships from industry-leading brands such as Rapala, Storm, Sufix, Luhr Jensen, VMC, Cabelas, Scotty, and more! Fish with the best!
The fish you can target
What is the boat like?
What kind of fishing will you do?
Lake Fishing
Which fishing techniques you can try
Light Tackle
Trolling
Jigging
Drift Fishing
Which amenities are available onboard
Toilet
Porta potty enclosure inside cabin, also full facilities at our harbor to use anytime.
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Outriggers
Ice Box
What’s included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
We provide all live bait and tackle. We use Redside Shiners, Speckled Dace, Tui Chub , Tahoe Suckers, and occasionally Sculpin and Crawfish. All bait must be legally trapped from Tahoe and we DO carry the required Bait license!
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
We specialize in filleting your catch and work closely with a local restaurant that will prepare your catch 3 different ways! We also can provide special homemade recipes!
How cancellations work
Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
What the listing policies are
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
Starting back in 1996 we have encouraged family’s of all ages and today we have parents bring their children that we’re one children we took 20 plus years ago! We specialize in building family memories!
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
How you can pay
Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Checks