TRUCKEE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Float-Tube the High Country: A Private Half-Day on Sawmill Lake
A private, guided half-day of float-tube fly fishing on a secluded high-mountain reservoir—ideal for anglers targeting Rainbow and Brown Trout.
Float-Tube the High Country: A Private Half-Day on Sawmill Lake.
Sawmill Lake sits as a secluded, ten-acre high‑mountain reservoir ringed by ponderosa forest on the slopes of Northstar-at-Tahoe. The private, guided half‑day takes you onto calm water where Rainbow and Brown trout respond to dry flies, occasional nymphs and streamers; trips are limited and reserved to keep the experience intimate.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A small high‑country reservoir in a ponderosa bowl
Sawmill Lake is a secluded, ten‑acre reservoir nestled in high‑country ponderosa forest at Northstar, offering a compact, scenic waterbody suited to float‑tubing and shoreline stalking.
Rainbow and Brown Trout on dry flies
The lake holds large Rainbow and Brown Trout and is managed for catch‑and‑release fly fishing, with much of the fishing done with dry flies and the occasional nymph or streamer.
Private float‑tube outings with limited access
All trips are private to your group; fishing is limited to four rods at a time and the lake can be booked for small private groups such as reunions or corporate outings.
What the day feels like
What the half‑day feels like
Expect a focused four‑hour session on the water (plus setup and travel), where guides outfit you with float tubes and waders and place anglers where cruising trout are most likely to take. The day moves at the pace of the fish—quiet, deliberate casts from a float tube or careful stalking along the bank—with areas fished determined by your guide.
THE LAKE
A small high‑country reservoir in a ponderosa bowl
Sawmill Lake is a secluded, ten‑acre reservoir nestled in high‑country ponderosa forest at Northstar, offering a compact, scenic waterbody suited to float‑tubing and shoreline stalking.
THE FISHERY
Rainbow and Brown Trout on dry flies
The lake holds large Rainbow and Brown Trout and is managed for catch‑and‑release fly fishing, with much of the fishing done with dry flies and the occasional nymph or streamer.
THE FORMAT
Private float‑tube outings with limited access
All trips are private to your group; fishing is limited to four rods at a time and the lake can be booked for small private groups such as reunions or corporate outings.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Half‑day trips provide four hours of fishing on the water, plus time for setup and travel.
Guides supply fly rods and reels, waders and wading boots, float tubes and fins, and flies and leaders; you may bring your own rod, flies or leaders if you prefer.
Trips meet at Sawmill Lake at Northstar Resort in Truckee; guides will contact guests 12–48 hours before departure with final details.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is this a private trip?
Yes—every trip is private to your group.
How long is the guided session?
The trip includes four hours of fishing on the water, plus time for setup and travel.
What is the price for a half‑day?
Half‑day guided float‑tube fly fishing is $650 for one or two anglers.
Are there age or swim requirements?
Yes—participants must be at least 12 years old and must know how to swim.
What gear and supplies are provided?
Guides provide a fly rod and reel (you may bring your own), wading boots and waders, a float tube and fins, plus flies and leaders (bring your own if preferred).
Do I need a fishing license and what about weather?
All anglers must have a California fishing license; trips are weather permitting and there may be a higher chance of rebooking in winter.