No, there are no lobsters in Lake Tahoe. However, the lake is home to a large population of crayfish, also known as signal crayfish or crawdads, which are often referred to as “mini lobsters” due to their similar appearance. These crayfish were introduced to the lake in 1895 and have since become an invasive species, causing significant environmental impacts on the lake’s ecosystem.
Crayfish in Lake Tahoe
The population of crayfish in Lake Tahoe is estimated to be around 300 million, and they were introduced to the lake through Marlette Lake in 1895. These crayfish have had a significant impact on the lake’s clarity and water quality. They graze on algae at the bottom of the lake, but their excrement stimulates further algal production, leading to increased nutrient levels and decreased water clarity.
Commercial harvesting of crayfish is allowed on the Nevada side of the lake, with companies like the Tahoe Lobster Company working to harvest and sell crayfish to local restaurants and casinos. However, commercial harvesting is not currently permitted on the California side due to regulatory issues. Individuals can catch crayfish for personal consumption on both sides of the state line, but a fishing license is required in California.
Dining Locations
Several restaurants in the Lake Tahoe area serve crayfish, including:
| Restaurant | Location |
|---|---|
| Evan’s American Gourmet Cafe | Lake Tahoe |
| Boathouse On The Pier | Lake Tahoe |
| Cafe Fiore | Lake Tahoe |
| Hyatt Regency | Incline Village |
| Harveys/Harrahs | South Shore |
| Lakeside Casino | South Shore |
| Edgewood Golf Course | South Shore |
| Old Granite Street Eatery | Reno |
| Blue Ribbon Meats | Sparks |
| Eldorado Casino | Reno |
| Charlie Palmers | Reno |
| Vista Grill | Reno |
| Brewhouse | Reno |
| Silver Legacy | Reno |
| Carson Valley Inn | Minden |
| The Overland Hotel | Fallon |
| Walley’s Hot Springs | Minden |
| The Little Waldorf Saloon | Reno |
| The Red Dog Saloon | Virginia City |
These restaurants offer a variety of crayfish dishes, from crayfish boils to crayfish-topped burgers and salads. Visitors to the Lake Tahoe area can enjoy the unique taste of these “mini lobsters” while exploring the stunning natural beauty of the region.
References
- TripAdvisor. (2024). THE BEST Lobster in South Lake Tahoe (Updated July 2024). Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g1798615-zfd10915-South_Lake_Tahoe_Lake_Tahoe_California_California-Lobster.html
- Nevada Magazine. (2013). Tahoe Lobster Company. Retrieved from https://nevadamagazine.com/issue/january-february-2013/207/
- Sunnyside Resort. (n.d.). Crawdads Retrieved from https://www.sunnysidelodge.com/crawdads/
- Tahoe Lobster Company. (n.d.). ABOUT US. Retrieved from https://tahoelobsterco.wixsite.com/lobster
- Tahoe Daily Tribune. (2017). Are Lake Tahoe’s aquatic invasive species edible? Retrieved from https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/local/are-lake-tahoes-aquatic-invasive-species-edible/.