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Mike Nielsen
Captain

Mike Nielsen

South Lake Tahoe, United States
50+ reviews
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!

Charter

Rating

5.0
85 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

100%
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish

All reviews (85)

Showing 1 – 5 of 85 reviews
  • Wendy Aycock
    Wendy Aycock
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Great Fishing and an Amazing Lake Tahoe Experience

    5 Hour Trip (Shared) • 2 adults

    We had an amazing experience with Tahoe Topliners Fishing and Captain Mike. He was extremely knowledgeable about Lake Tahoe and he worked hard to make sure we had a great time. The weather had recently changed so the fish were not biting as much as usual, but we still caught Lake Trout and a Rainbow Trout. Captain Mike also recommended a local restaurant that cooked our catch for us. We had more fish than we could eat and the lunch was wonderful. We had a great time and highly recommend Tahoe Topliners Fishing to anyone looking for a memorable experience on Lake Tahoe.

  • Dwight Holmquist
    Dwight Holmquist
    us
    California, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Mike

    5 Hour Trip (Shared) • 1 adult

    Captain Mike and 1st mate Tyler (Mike's son) were above and beyond for my advanced age (74), bad knees and bad left ankle. Grate assist with boarding and unboarding. Both exhibited patience and concern for my well being. Mike put us onto fish and I caught four really nice lake trout. (Smoked them the next day). My wife a non fish eater was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed her 1st adventure delving into smoked lake trout. More meals to follow. This was my 1st Lake Tahoe charter and could not gave asked for a better experience. Mike, Tyler, boat and fish were outstanding. I fully recommend Tahoe Top Liners for your Lake Tahoe Charter adventure.

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
  • Natalie Cuchetti
    Natalie Cuchetti
    us
    Florida, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    The Highlight of our Lake Tahoe Trip!

    5 Hour Trip • 5 adults • 1 child

    We had an incredible experience on our guided fishing trip! The captain was knowledgeable, engaging, and made everyone feel comfortable from the moment we stepped on the boat. My teenage nephews are avid fishermen, and they really connected with him and appreciated his expertise. My dad had a fantastic time as well. Before the trip, the captain was excellent at communicating what to expect, how to dress, and how to prepare for the cool early-morning conditions, which made everything go smoothly. We enjoyed great conversation throughout the trip, and best of all, everyone caught lake trout! The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—beautiful sunshine, calm water, and stunning scenery. It was a memorable morning on the lake, and we highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a fun and successful fishing adventure. Five stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
    Response from Captain

    thank you so much you guys were great to have on board and I look forward to seeing you in the future!

  • Nicole Gehman
    Nicole Gehman
    us
    New York, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Only book with Captain Mike

    5 Hour Trip • 2 adults

    Not only did we catch 3 rainbows and many lakers, Mike is the most knowledgable, personable, wholesome captain. An excellent guide, beautiful morning on the lake, epic boat, and overall personal and professional experience to enhance our already incredible vaca!

  • Mark Jones
    Mark Jones
    gb
    United Kingdom
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Top skipper in Tahoe

    5 Hour Trip (Shared) • 1 adult

    Shows the power of Fish Booker. I booked this trip at short notice based on the reviews on Fish Booker and what a great find it was. Mike is the perfect guide, in depth local knowledge, worked tirelessly to keep the bites coming with changing tactics and fishing spots and was a raconteur as well. The boat and equipment was top dollar. If you are looking for a great trip I wou ld highly recommend Tahoe Topliner and Captain Mike.

    Reported catch:
    Lake Trout
    Response from Captain

    Thank you for joining us on. the Lake. we look forward to seeing you again!

Real catches shared by our community

  • Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
    Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996Zephyr Cove, NV
    Great Fishing and an Amazing Lake Tahoe Experience
    Wendy A.
    Wendy A.
  • Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
    Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996Zephyr Cove, NV
    Morning trout trip
    Scott K.
    Scott K.
  • Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
    Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996Zephyr Cove, NV
    Good Trip.
    David H.
    David H.
  • Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
    Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996Zephyr Cove, NV
    Awesome time
    Peter Z.
    Peter Z.
  • Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
    Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996South Lake Tahoe, CA
    July fishing trip
    Paul C.
    Paul C.
  • Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
    Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996Zephyr Cove, NV
    Great trip beautiful views
    Matthew S.
    Matthew S.
  • Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
    Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996South Lake Tahoe, CA
    Great Experience on a Beautiful Lake Tahoe
    Ken M.
    Ken M.
  • Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
    Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996South Lake Tahoe, CA
    great memories made!
    Gerald D.
    Gerald D.
  • Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
    Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996South Lake Tahoe, CA
    The Highlight of our Lake Tahoe Trip!
    Natalie C.
    Natalie C.
  • Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996
    Tahoe Topliners Fishing – Est. 1996South Lake Tahoe, CA
    great trip Capten Mike was awsomewe
    Bobby M.
    Bobby M.

Fishing reports

Angler proudly displaying a large Lake Trout while fishing on a serene lake, surrounded by mountains.

Fall Bite: Four Species on the Bite

Sep 4, 2026 • South Lake Tahoe
Fall Bite is On! September and October can be some of the best fishing of the year with four species on the bite! Weather is mild, crowds are small. Come out , jump on with Lake Tahoe’s longest tenured captain and Tahoe Native Capt Mike!
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A proud moment as a young angler and an adult display a large Lake Trout while fishing in a scenic mountain lake.

Still huntin hogs!!!

Jul 31, 2026 • South Lake Tahoe
The Lake Trail fight on Lake Tahoe continues to be good but lots of fish from 3 to 6 pounds but we’ve had a very good number of bigger fish from 9 to 15 pounds the last two weeks fishing Lures early and then switching the live bait later it’s not producing great action for our anglers!
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A family enjoying a successful fishing trip, proudly displaying a caught fish on a boat in a scenic lake setting.

Large early season Sockeye Salmon

Jun 27, 2026 • South Lake Tahoe
Come join us for some early season large sockeye salmon that are running 16 to 19 inches with an occasional 20 inch about 2 pounds of each. Along with our catching lake Trout that average about 3 to 6 pounds with some fish up to the high teens!
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Trophy Mackinaw

Jun 27, 2026 • South Lake Tahoe
Late June early July is when the best time to hear to catch a trophy sized Lake, Trout, book your Charter joining Captain Mike and the quest for official of a lifetime, in 30 years we have guided more clients to larger Trout in California in Nevada than any other guide and we hold four lake record brown trout, and have nearly broken the lake, record and state record for landlocked, salmon and a few pounds off for the state record Mackinaw!
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A whimsical illustration of a turkey wearing a football helmet, celebrating Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving week

Nov 27, 2025 • South Lake Tahoe
We are experiencing much warmer than normal temperatures this holiday week and the bite is fantastic for our anglers. Come join us and take home some fresh fillets.
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A family proudly displaying their catch of multiple Lake Trout while fishing on a boat in clear blue waters.

Fish with the best or fish with the rest

Oct 5, 2025 • South Lake Tahoe
With 30 years guiding Tahoe and an additional 15 years prior of Tahoe expertise Capt. Mike knows each season on the Lake and the October bite currently offers all 5 species and we have been getting 4 or the 5 most days. Our clients are taking multiple species home for dinner or to Mc Duffs restaurant to enjoy an amazing meal. Weather forcasts show mikd temps going forward and we expect the bite to continue!
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