Nevada Fly Fishing Guide: Rivers, Lakes, and Lahontan Cutthroat

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Pyramid Lake	Oct 1 - June 30 (Nov-Apr peak)	5-25 lb Lahontan cutthroat; $24/day tribal permit
Truckee River	Year-round (Aug Little Yellow Stone)	200-300 CFS upper; 500-600 CFS lower
East Walker River	Nov 1 - Nov 15, late Apr - Oct	20-50 CFS ideal; closed Nov 16 - late Apr
Jarbidge River	July - October only	Bull trout (catch-and-release); 50-mile dirt road
Ruby Mountains	July - September	Alpine lakes to 10,000 ft; backpack access
License	NDOW	$80 annual + $10 trout stamp (non-resident)

Overview

Nevada surprises most anglers. Behind the casinos and desert highways lies some of the most distinctive fly fishing in the American West—including the largest strain of cutthroat trout on the continent. The Lahontan cutthroat at Pyramid Lake regularly tops 10 pounds, with fish over 20 pounds caught each season.

The fishing here demands adaptation. You'll stand on ladders in 40°F water, casting to cruising cutthroat over alkaline flats. You'll time your Walker River trips around irrigation releases that can swing flows from 20 to 500 CFS. You'll hike dirt roads for 50 miles to reach the Jarbidge, one of the most remote fisheries in the Lower 48.

Nevada holds six native trout species—more diversity than many realize. The Truckee River through Reno sees 60,000-100,000 angler days annually, yet drive an hour in any direction and you'll find solitude on public land. The Ruby Mountains offer alpine fishing at 10,000 feet. Desert stillwaters like Big Springs and Wild Horse hold rainbows shaped like footballs.

Seasons and Conditions

Nevada's high desert climate creates distinct fishing patterns:

Season	Timing	Conditions	Best Bet
Winter	Nov-Feb	Pyramid Lake prime (fish shallow), East Walker easy wading at 20-50 CFS	Pyramid Lake, ice fishing Wild Horse
Spring	Mar-May	Runoff begins, rivers high and off-color	Pyramid Lake (through June 30), tailwater sections
Summer	Jun-Aug	Heat pushes fish deep, morning fishing essential	High elevation Ruby Mountains, early AM rivers
Fall	Sep-Nov	Best river fishing, flows stabilize, aggressive feeding	All rivers, Big Springs zenith

Key timing notes:

• Pyramid Lake permits available October 1 through June 30 only—plan accordingly
• East Walker River closes November 16 through last Friday in April
• Jarbidge Road blocked by snow until June; July-October is the only accessible window from the south
• Irrigation draws 200-500 CFS on the East Walker from April through October, making wading difficult
• Little Yellow Stone hatch on the Truckee peaks in August

Hatch Calendar

Nevada's hatches concentrate on the Truckee River and stillwaters. Desert reservoirs follow different patterns than freestone rivers.

Month	Truckee River	Pyramid Lake	Desert Stillwaters
Jan	Midges (18-24)	Prime season—chironomids, leeches	Ice fishing
Feb	Midges, early BWO	Peak shore fishing begins	Ice fishing
Mar	BWO (18-22), midges	Spawning migration, fish in 5-15'	Ice-off approaching
Apr	BWO, early caddis	Final month before closure	Season opening
May	Caddis (14-18), PMD	Closed	Chironomids, damsel emergence
Jun	Caddis, stoneflies	Closed	Damsel, callibaetis
Jul	Caddis, terrestrials	Closed	Summer doldrums
Aug	Little Yellow Stone, hoppers	Closed	Summer doldrums
Sep	Caddis, BWO, hoppers	Closed	Fall zenith begins
Oct	BWO (18-22), streamers	Season opens—fish moving shallow	Peak stillwater fishing
Nov	Midges, streamers	Prime—fish in 5-15'	Excellent until freeze
Dec	Midges (18-24)	Prime season	Ice fishing begins

Key Hatch Details:

Little Yellow Stone (Truckee, August): Size 14-16. The signature summer hatch. Fish yellow Stimulators, Yellow Sallies, or Chubby Chernobyls. Best action mid-morning through afternoon.

Chironomids (Pyramid Lake, Nov-Apr): Size 6-12—much larger than typical midge patterns. Red, black, silver, blue. Fish under indicator at varying depths.

Damselflies (Stillwaters, late May-June): Bright green nymphs. Trout gorge during emergence. Fish slow retrieves along weed edges.

BWO/Baetis (Truckee, Spring/Fall): Size 18-22. Overcast days trigger the best hatches. RS2, Sparkle Duns, Parachute Adams.

Major Waters

Truckee River

Nevada's most heavily fished water runs 110 miles from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake through downtown Reno. Despite the pressure—60,000-100,000 angler days annually—the Truckee holds quality fish. Browns average 14-18 inches with many over 20. The river hasn't been stocked with browns since 2005; these are all wild fish.

Flow Windows:

CFS	Conditions
150-200	Winter/summer base - good wading, technical fishing
200-300	Ideal upper river - nymphs and dry-dropper productive
500-600	Ideal below Martis Creek - big nymph rig water
1,000+	Canyon section - advanced wading, big fish opportunities

Sections:

Western Section (Lake Tahoe to Reno): Steep, fast, cold. The best dry fly water. Access along I-80.

Downtown Reno: Fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release section. Urban setting, but fish see plenty of pressure and reward good presentations.

Access points with parking:

• Crystal Peak Park (39.5142°N, 119.9958°W): Located in Verdi, 10 miles west of Reno off I-80. Take Verdi exit, turn left on S. Verdi Road. 56 acres with river and pond access. Address: 521 3rd St, Verdi.
• Mayberry Park (39.5201°N, 119.8878°W): 15 acres, 4 miles west of Reno. Take 4th Street west, turn left on Woodland Ave. Address: 101 Woodland Ave.
• Idlewild Park (39.5281°N, 119.8397°W): Large 49-acre park near downtown. Paved paths, multiple shoreline access points, ample parking. Address: 2055 Idlewild Dr.
• Rock Park (39.5144°N, 119.8025°W): South Reno off McCarran Blvd. Less crowded weekdays. Good wade access.

Canyon Section (E Mustang Road bridge to Derby Dam): Special regulations—artificial lures with barbless hooks, catch-and-release only. This is where the bigger browns live. At 1,000+ CFS, only experienced waders should attempt it.

Lahontan Cutthroat: NDOW stocked 60,802 Lahontan cutthroat in 2024, mostly 8-12 inches. The native fish are returning to their historic waters.

Navigability: The Truckee is designated navigable—the riverbed is public up to the high-water mark. However, you cannot trespass across private property to access the river.

Water Temperature: Optimal trout feeding occurs at 50-65°F. Summer afternoons can push temps above 65°F in slower sections—fish early or target faster, oxygenated water. Winter temps drop to 38-42°F; fish are sluggish but will take midges during the 10am-2pm warmup window.

Key flies: Little Yellow Stones (14-16, August), Elk Hair Caddis (14-18), Pheasant Tails (16-20), Copper Johns (14-18), Hare's Ears (14-18). When fish are looking up: Yellow Stimulators (12-14), Chubby Chernobyls (10-12).

East Walker River

Twenty-one miles of Nevada water from the California border to the confluence with the West Fork. About 38% flows through BLM and Forest Service land—the rest is private and non-navigable.

Flow Windows:

CFS	Season	Conditions
20-50	Winter (Nov-Apr)	Easy wading, best access, excellent fishing
200-500	Irrigation (Apr-Oct)	Difficult to wade, high flows
1,000+	Spring runoff	Unfishable

Key Sections:

Rosaschi Ranch (Wild Trout Area): The most popular section for fly anglers. Within Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Special regulations: single barbless hooks, catch-and-release only. Access from Highway 338 south of Bridgeport—look for the Forest Service boundary signs (38.5847°N, 119.2156°W).

The Elbow (38.6123°N, 119.1987°W): Public access section with good holding water. Named for the sharp bend in the river. Parking along Highway 338.

Flying M Ranch, Rafter 7 Ranch, Pitchfork Ranch: Managed by Nevada State Parks since 2017 as part of Walker River State Recreation Area. Day-use fee applies. Access off Highway 338.

Special Regulation Water: From 1/4 mile above Sweetwater Creek confluence to 1/2 mile below Red Wash Creek confluence.

Critical Note: The East Walker is closed November 16 through the last Friday in April. Plan trips accordingly.

Character: 30-60 feet wide. Pocket water and deep seams reward tight-line nymph methods. The canyon sections see less pressure than the famous "Miracle Mile" upstream in California.

Key flies: Pheasant Tails (16-20), Hare's Ears (14-18), Prince Nymphs (14-16), Copper Johns (14-18). Streamers—Woolly Buggers (6-10, olive/black) for browns. Dries: Elk Hair Caddis (14-16), Parachute Adams (16-18) when fish are rising.

West Walker River

Flows through Hope Valley and cascades into Carson Valley. Much of it crosses private, non-navigable land—public access is limited but productive.

Public Access Points:

Hoye Canyon (38.7856°N, 119.3892°W): Approximately 1 mile of public fishing upstream from Wellington off Highway 208. Good pocket water with holding runs. Roadside pullouts for parking.

Wilson Canyon/BLM Rest Area (38.8234°N, 119.4156°W): Second major access with primitive camping and restroom. Turn west off Highway 395 onto Highway 208, about 3 miles to the rest area. Worth the stop—less pressured than Hoye.

Wading: Generally wadeable November through early April when irrigation demands drop. Mid-spring through summer brings high flows.

Fish Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and some Lahontan cutthroat.

Key flies: Nightcrawlers and spinners work, but fly anglers do well with standard nymph patterns in the deeper pools. Gold-colored attractors produce.

Carson River (East and West Forks)

The East Fork runs 21 miles from California to its confluence with the West Fork near Genoa. The upper portion borders Forest Service land.

East Fork Flow Windows:

CFS	Conditions
50-150	Summer ideal - wadeable, good access
1,000+	Spring runoff - impossible wading

East Fork Access Points:

• Ruhenstroth Dam (Broken Dam) (38.8934°N, 119.7567°W): Upstream of Gardnerville off Highway 395. Parking at dam overlook, walk down to river.
• Centerville Bridge (Lutheran Bridge) (38.9012°N, 119.7234°W): In Gardnerville. Street parking, easy wade access upstream and down.
• Carson River Park (39.1678°N, 119.7654°W): Downtown Carson City with handicap-accessible pier. Large parking lot, restrooms, paved paths. Good for beginners.
• Dayton State Park (39.2367°N, 119.5890°W): Downstream access. $5 day-use fee. Shade structures, restrooms.
• Mexican Dam (38.9456°N, 119.7123°W): Beginning of the primary fishery. Rougher access, less crowded.

West Fork Character: Originates above 10,000 feet in California's Sierra Nevada. Upper section meanders through meadows with slow turns and fast riffles. East of Pickets Junction, the character shifts to faster water, plunge pools, broken runs, and pocket water.

Fish Species: Rainbow trout, brown trout (both stocked and wild), brook trout (upper West Fork), Lahontan cutthroat (8-12 inches typical).

Stocking: Rainbows stocked March, April, June, July. Browns stocked in fall.

Key flies: Tight-line nymph methods in pocket water. Dry flies, mayfly/caddisfly patterns, streamers. Standard Western attractor patterns work.

Jarbidge River

One of the most remote wilderness fisheries in the Lower 48. The Jarbidge flows 28.8 miles total—17 in Nevada—through basalt and rhyolite canyons before joining the West Fork Bruneau River about 25 miles north of the Nevada border.

Access Reality: The southern approach from Elko requires a 50-mile drive on rough dirt roads. Take Highway 225 north from Elko to the Jarbidge turnoff, then follow signs west. Roads remain snow-blocked until June—call Elko County Road Department (775-738-6524) for current conditions. The only reliable window is July through October.

From the north (Idaho), take Highway 93 to Rogerson, then follow Signs to Murphy Hot Springs and south to Jarbidge. This route may open earlier but is longer.

GPS: Jarbidge townsite: 41.8567°N, 115.4234°W. Allow 2-3 hours from Elko. Fuel up before leaving—no services on the dirt road.

What Makes It Special:

This is bull trout water. The Jarbidge holds a population of federally-listed bull trout—catch one and you've completed the "Trout Royal Slam." You must release them immediately.

Fish Species:

• Bull trout (threatened, catch-and-release required)
• Redband trout (native)
• Rainbow trout
• Brook trout
• Mountain whitefish

Character: Narrow, raging in spring, intimate in summer and fall. The Jarbidge Trading Post in town stocks worms, dry flies, and Tenkara rods—gear suited to the tight quarters.

Pressure: Almost none. You'll share this water with few other anglers and fewer rafters.

Key flies: Dry flies appropriate for small, fast water. Attractor patterns, small stimulators, caddis. The fish aren't picky—they don't see many flies.

Bruneau River

Connects to the Jarbidge system in remote canyonlands. Redband rainbow trout and mountain whitefish. Similar access challenges. Almost no angling pressure.

Humboldt River System

The Humboldt drains much of northern Nevada, with tributaries holding native Humboldt cutthroat—a threatened species worth the effort to find. The South Fork offers the most accessible fishing.

South Fork Humboldt River & Reservoir

The South Fork State Recreation Area (40.6723°N, 115.7515°W) sits 16 miles south of Elko on State Route 228. This is the Humboldt system's most fishable water.

Access Points:

• South Fork State Recreation Area (40.6723°N, 115.7515°W): Two concrete boat ramps (Coyote Cove, Hamilton Cove). Day-use fee required. Address: 353 Lower South Fork #8, Spring Creek, NV 89815. Phone: 775-744-4346.
• Lucky Nugget Subdivision Causeway to Gauging Station: Public access for trophy fishing section. One trout limit—managed as trophy water.
• Below the Dam: Fishable for approximately 12 miles downstream to Hunter Banks Diversion Dam. Access 1/4 mile past spillway.

South Fork Reservoir: 1,650 acres when full. Entire shoreline accessible via roads and trails. Float tubing very popular.

Fish Species:

• Rainbow trout, brown trout, mountain whitefish
• Sacramento perch, largemouth bass
• Humboldt cutthroat in tributary streams (native, threatened)

Little Humboldt System (Native Trout)

The North Fork of the Little Humboldt begins at 7,280 feet and travels 49 miles to Chimney Reservoir. This is remote native trout country—the strongest Humboldt cutthroat populations remain in the Marys River and South Fork Little Humboldt drainages.

Conservation Note: Studies show no hybridization in South Fork Little Humboldt populations—these are genetically pure native fish. Handle with care and consider catch-and-release even where harvest is legal.

Humboldt Cutthroat: Listed endangered in 1970, down-listed to threatened in 1975. These fluvial fish spawn in tributaries and migrate to the mainstem, traveling over a mile to reach overwintering pools and beaver ponds.

Best Season: March-June, September-December. Avoid summer heat.

Regulations: 5 trout limit, 15 warmwater game fish (max 5 largemouth bass, 5 walleye).

Contact: NDOW Eastern Region Office, 60 Youth Center Road, Elko, NV 89801. Phone: 775-777-2300.

Stillwater Fishing

Pyramid Lake

World-class Lahontan cutthroat fishing on Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation, 40 miles northeast of Reno. This is unlike any other fly fishing you'll experience.

Trophy Potential:

• World record: 41 pounds
• Current typical range: 5-25 pounds
• Trophy fish (10-14 pounds) caught weekly during season
• Recent notable catches: 31 lb 4 oz (October 2023), 39-inch fish estimated at 30 pounds (February 2021, released)

Permits (Critical):

• NO STATE LICENSE REQUIRED—only Tribal permit
• Purchase online at PyramidLake.us/permits or at the Ranger Station in Sutcliffe
• Available October 1 through June 30 ONLY
• Guide trips do NOT include tribal permits—you must buy your own

Regulations:

• Barbless hooks only
• No bait whatsoever—no worms, eggs, scent, Power Bait, or organic matter
• 2 singles, 2 doubles, or 2 treble hooks per lure
• Slot limits: Keep fish 17-20 inches OR over 24 inches; release all others

Closed Areas: Needles, Anaho Island, Marble Bluff, Beehives, Pyramid/Stone Mother

Ladder Fishing (The Pyramid Lake Method):

This is what makes Pyramid unique. Anglers stand on ladders—everything from milk crates to 6-foot step ladders with chairs—in waist-deep water to reach the drop-offs where fish cruise.

Why ladders? The drop-offs where cutthroat feed vary wildly. Some sit feet from shore; others require wading 100+ yards into 6-8 feet of water. A ladder gets you out to productive depth and gives you a place to sit during long days of fishing.

Practical tips:

• Tie a flotation device to your ladder in case it tips
• Wear waders—water temps hover around 40°F
• Bring a stripping basket to manage line

Primary Techniques:

1. Indicator/Nymph Fishing (Two-Fly Rig): Chironomids and balanced leeches under a large indicator. Size 6-12 chironomids in red, black, silver, or blue—much larger than typical midge patterns. Balanced leeches in black, olive, wine, brown. Start at 8-10 feet deep and adjust based on where fish are cruising. Use a large, visible indicator—you'll be watching it for hours.

2. Stripping/Retrieve: Full-sinking line, dredging bottom. Big streamer or conehead bugger up front to kick up sand. Beetle pattern trailing behind. Wade to waist depth or use ladder. Let flies sink completely before retrieving. Vary retrieve speed based on water temperature.

3. Dangle Technique: 8-weight 9-foot rod or 11-foot 7-weight switch rod. Let flies hang and swing in the current.

Gear:

• 8-weight fly rod standard
• Floating line with shooting head (indicator technique)
• Full sinking line (retrieve technique)
• Intermediate or Type III sinking (situational)

Best Times:

• Season: November through April (fish hold shallow, easiest shore access)
• Peak Shore Fishing: Late February through April (spawning migration, fish in 5-15 feet)
• Daily: Sunrise and sunset

Hot Spots:

• "The Nets" (40.0234°N, 119.4856°W): Consistently produces bigger fish but draws bigger crowds. The most famous spot on the lake.
• Warrior Point: Good wading access, less crowded than the Nets
• Pelican Point: Reliable fishing, easier access
• Popcorn Rock: Good for intermediate anglers

Water Temperature: Pyramid hovers around 38-45°F during prime season (Nov-Apr). Fish are more active in the 42-48°F range. Colder temps slow metabolism—fish longer retrieve pauses.

Monsters get caught everywhere—don't fixate on the famous spots.

Cave Lake

32 acres, average depth 25 feet, maximum 60 feet. State record brown trout: 27 pounds 5 ounces (1984).

Fish Species: Rainbow and brown trout.

Season: Good year-round. Ice fishing popular December through March.

Tactics: Woolly Bugger or nymph patterns with sinking line near Cave Creek inflow.

Bonus Water: Cave Creek (feeding the reservoir) and Steptoe Creek (exiting) both hold wild brown trout—worth exploring.

Wild Horse Reservoir

2,830 acres at maximum capacity, maximum depth 70 feet. Sits at 6,200 feet—same elevation as Lake Tahoe.

Fish Species:

• Rainbow trout
• Brown trout
• Bowcutt (rainbow x cutthroat hybrid)
• Tiger trout (brown x brook hybrid)
• Smallmouth and largemouth bass

Trophy Potential: Trout average 17-25 inches, 3-6 pounds.

Best Times: Early spring and late fall for fly fishing. Summer trolling more productive. Excellent ice fishing—this area sees Nevada's lowest winter temperatures.

Tactics: Small chironomid patterns from shore. Leeches and streamers. As of late 2024, trout averaging 16-22 inches with water temps cooling into prime range.

Big Springs Reservoir

120 acres near the Oregon border. Average depth around 9 feet—shallow and super-fertile.

Trophy Potential: 16-20 inch rainbows shaped like footballs.

Seasonal Pattern:

• Mid-May Opening: Heavy chironomid hatches daily, including size 12 "bloodworm" midges
• Late Spring: Damsel emergence—trout gorge on bright green nymphs
• Summer: Quiet period during heat
• Fall Zenith (Mid-September through November): Rainbows fat, bright, and aggressive. Best fishing of the year.

Tactics: Two-fly rig—leech or Woolly Bugger on point, scud or Zugbug as trailer. When weed beds die off in fall, leeches get expelled and fish concentrate on the edges.

Note: Water can become turbid when drawn down. Check conditions.

Sheep Creek Reservoir

Located on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation straddling the Nevada-Idaho border. Rainbows exceeding 10 pounds. Less known than Pyramid but similar trophy potential.

Permits: Special tribal fishing permit required—purchase online at the SPT website.

Season: Year-round, all methods.

Tactics:

• Cold Weather: Dark hues (olive, dark brown, black), subsurface nymphs and leeches
• Patterns: Chironomids, Elk Hair Caddis, nymphs with tungsten heads, "Sheep Creek Special"

Eagle Lake (California—2 Hours from Reno)

Not technically Nevada, but too good to ignore. California's second-largest natural lake sits at 5,100 feet elevation, 16 miles north of Susanville—about 2 hours from Reno. Home to the Eagle Lake rainbow trout, a unique California Heritage Trout strain that evolved in this alkaline water.

Fish Species: Eagle Lake rainbow trout (distinct strain, strong fighters, 16-22 inches common)

Tactics:

Sinking Line Method: Intermediate or Type III sinking line. 9-foot 3X fluorocarbon leader. Fish #10 wiggle tail leeches or #8 tui chub imitations. #12 scud patterns as droppers. Slow hand-twist retrieve—many strikes come at the pause near the end.

Indicator Nymphing: Increasingly popular. Long leader with midge and balanced leech patterns suspended under indicator. Use electronics to locate fish depth.

Where to Fish: Float tube or wade around points, rock piles, and tule edges at 9-15 foot depths.

Season: Best fishing October through December and March through May. Summer fishing possible but less productive.

License: California fishing license required (not Nevada).

Ruby Mountains (Alpine Lakes)

The "Swiss Alps of Nevada." Peaks beyond 11,000 feet, a dozen fishable alpine lakes, multi-pound cutthroat in waters that see almost no pressure.

Notable Waters:

• Liberty Lake: Monster-sized lake trout (mackinaw)
• Hidden Lake: Remote—overnight trip recommended
• Robinson Lake: Easier access by horseback
• Lamoille Creek and beaver ponds: Brook trout

Tiger Trout: Stocked annually in select Ruby Mountain waters.

Access: Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway (40.6234°N, 115.4567°W), 26 miles southeast of Elko on SR 227. The road ends at the Roads End Trailhead (40.6123°N, 115.3789°W) at 8,800 feet—the primary access for the Ruby Crest Trail and alpine lakes. No permits required for wilderness fishing. Check fire restrictions before going.

Character: This is backpacking country. Most lakes require 3-10 mile hikes with significant elevation gain. The effort is part of the experience. You'll have entire lakes to yourself.

Best Lakes for Day Trips:

• Lamoille Lake: 3.5-mile hike from Roads End, 1,200 feet gain
• Dollar Lakes: 4-mile hike, moderate difficulty
• Liberty Lake: Longer approach but worth it for mackinaw

Season: July through September. Snow lingers at these elevations. Check trail conditions before hiking.

Fish Species

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (Nevada State Fish)

The largest cutthroat trout species in North America. Evolved in the isolated Lahontan Basin over 10+ million years.

Status: Threatened under ESA (1975), but harvestable under special 4(d) rule with slot limits.

Conservation Story: The original Pyramid Lake strain went extinct by the 1940s. In 1977, that strain was discovered surviving in a Utah stream. By 2005, native fish had returned to Pyramid Lake. Populations have recovered but still need hatchery support.

Where to Catch Them:

• Pyramid Lake (5-25 pounds typical)
• Truckee River (8-12 inch stockers, growing)
• West Carson River
• Independence and Summit Lakes (self-sustaining populations)

Bonneville Cutthroat Trout

Native to streams on the eastern Snake Range (White Pine County). NDOW has restored BCT to nearly all historic Nevada streams. Fish for them at Great Basin National Park.

Humboldt Cutthroat Trout

Threatened species. Strongholds in Marys River and South Fork Little Humboldt drainages. Fluvial fish that spawn in tributaries and migrate to mainstem rivers.

Bull Trout

Federally listed (threatened). Jarbidge River population unique—one of the few bull trout fisheries in a semi-arid desert setting. Must be released. Catching one completes the "Trout Royal Slam."

Redband Trout

Native to the Jarbidge/Bruneau system and Ruby Mountains.

Other Species

• Rainbow trout: Most common across Nevada, stocked and wild
• Brown trout: Truckee (all wild since 2005), Cave Lake (state record 27+ pounds)
• Brook trout: Ruby Mountains, Jarbidge system, Little Humboldt, West Carson
• Tiger trout: Wild Horse Reservoir, Ruby Mountains (stocked annually)
• Mountain whitefish: Truckee, East Walker, Jarbidge, Bruneau systems

License and Regulations

Nevada Fishing License (2025)

License Type	Resident	Non-Resident
Annual	$40	$80
1-Day	$9 first day, $3 each additional	$18 first day, $7 each additional
Youth (12-17)	$15	$15
Combination Hunt/Fish	$75 (1 year from purchase)	—
Interstate Boundary Waters	—	$30 (Tahoe, Mead, Mohave, Topaz, Colorado River only)

Trout Stamp: $10 required for fishing or possessing trout.

Second Rod Stamp: $10 to fish with two rods simultaneously.

Youth 12-17: Free 365-day license available.

Free Fishing Day 2025: June 14—everyone fishes free.

Purchase: Online via NDOW website ($1 processing fee), NDOW offices, or authorized agents.

Tribal Permits

Pyramid Lake (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe): No state license needed—only Tribal permit.

Permit Type	Cost
Daily Fishing	$24
3-Day Fishing	$62
Youth (12-17) Daily	$12
Youth 3-Day	$32
Second Rod Daily	$24
Second Rod 3-Day	$62

• 10% discount for seniors (65+), active/retired military, and members of other federally recognized tribes with valid ID
• Purchase at PyramidLake.us/permits or Ranger Station in Sutcliffe
• Available October 1 through June 30 only
• Vendors may charge up to $1 administrative fee

Sheep Creek Reservoir (Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, Duck Valley):

Permit Type	Cost
Daily	$25
Annual	$180

• Annual permit includes free dry camping
• Covers all Duck Valley fisheries: Sheep Creek, Mountain View, Lake Billy Shaw, East Fork Owyhee River
• Purchase at Owyhee ACE Hardware or Tribal Grocery Store (when ACE is closed)
• Website: shopaitribes.org/spfish

Key Regulations

Truckee River (E Mustang Road to Derby Dam): Artificial lures, barbless hooks, catch-and-release.

East Walker River:

• Rosaschi Ranch: Single barbless hooks, catch-and-release only
• Closed November 16 through last Friday in April

Pyramid Lake:

• Barbless hooks only
• No bait whatsoever
• Slot limits: Keep 17-20 inches OR over 24 inches; release all others

Humboldt River: 5 trout limit, 15 warmwater game fish.

Navigability

Navigable (public to high-water mark): Truckee River

Non-Navigable (private on private land): East Walker River, West Walker River—research public access points carefully.

Fly Shops and Guides

Reno Area

Reno Fly Shop 294 East Moana Lane #14, Reno, NV 89502 (775) 825-FISH Premier locally-owned shop. Expertise on Truckee River, Little Truckee, Pyramid Lake, local creeks and reservoirs.

Pyramid Fly Co. Specializes in Pyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat. 2-5 day packages with premium lodging. info@pyramidflyco.com | 877-PFC-FLYS

Arlo's Fly Fishing 20 years on the Truckee River. Guided trips and instruction.

Elko Area

Elko Fly Shop Gear, clothing, guided trips for Ruby Mountains, South Fork Reservoir, and surrounding waters.

Jarbidge

Jarbidge Trading Post Stocks worms, dry flies, Tenkara rods. Appropriate gear for narrow, raging water.

Practical Information

Desert Fishing Challenges

Heat: Nevada's high desert runs 6-10% humidity. Heat doesn't feel as oppressive—but it's equally dangerous. You won't sweat immediately, which masks the danger.

Strategy:

• Fish early morning
• Focus on water with bubbles (oxygenation) during hottest hours
• Watch water temperatures for catch-and-release ethics
• Summer sends fish to cooler, deeper water

Wind: High desert reservoirs get sustained winds. Affects casting and roils shallow waters like Big Springs.

Altitude: Wild Horse and Pyramid sit at 6,000 feet. Ruby Mountain lakes reach 9,000-10,000 feet. Acclimate before strenuous hiking.

Remote Access:

• Jarbidge: 50-mile dirt road, snow-blocked until June
• Ruby Mountains: Backpacking required for many lakes
• Bring proper gear, maps, communication devices

Flow Volatility

Nevada rivers swing dramatically:

• Spring runoff can push flows over 1,000 CFS
• Irrigation draws change flows quickly April through October
• Dam releases affect the Truckee day to day
• Check flows on RiverReports and NDOW reports before driving

Best Times by Water

Water	Prime Season	Why
Pyramid Lake	Nov-Apr	Fish shallow, shore-accessible
East Walker	Nov-Apr	Low flows (20-50 CFS), easy wading, before closure
Truckee River	Jul-Aug, Sep-Oct	Stable flows, Little Yellow Stone hatch (Aug), fall browns
Jarbidge	Jul-Oct	Only accessible window
Ruby Mountains	Jul-Sep	Snow-free, alpine weather
Big Springs	Mid-Sep-Nov	Fall zenith, aggressive rainbows
Wild Horse	Early spring, late fall	Fly fishing; summer better for trolling

Crowds and Solitude

Heavy Pressure:

• Truckee River (60,000-100,000 angler days/year)
• Pyramid Lake "Nets" area
• East Walker "Miracle Mile" (California section)

Moderate Pressure:

• Carson River stocking sites
• Walker public access points
• Pyramid Lake (areas other than Nets)

Solitude:

• East Walker canyon sections
• Jarbidge/Bruneau (almost none)
• Ruby Mountain lakes (backpack in)
• Big Springs Reservoir
• Humboldt system native waters

Nevada generally offers what neighboring states don't: room to breathe. An entire cove or canyon to yourself.

Beginner-Friendly Options

If you're new to Nevada fly fishing, start here:

Easiest Access:

• Carson River Park (Carson City): Handicap-accessible pier, paved paths, restrooms. Stocked rainbows. Good for learning without bushwhacking.
• Idlewild Park (Reno, Truckee River): Large parking lot, easy wade access, urban setting. Pressured fish teach good habits.
• Stocked urban ponds: NDOW stocks 88,000 trout annually in accessible waters. Check weekly stocking reports.

Most Forgiving Water:

• Truckee River downtown Reno: Wide, wadeable at most flows, clear sight lines. Fish see pressure but aren't as technical as tailwaters.
• East Carson River in summer (50-150 CFS): Wadeable, good access at multiple points, stocked fish mixed with wild.

Avoid as a Beginner:

• Pyramid Lake ladder fishing (unique technique, cold water, long days)
• Jarbidge (remote, no cell service, challenging access)
• Ruby Mountain alpine lakes (significant hiking, altitude)
• East Walker during irrigation (200-500 CFS is challenging to wade)

Pro tip for beginners: Book a half-day guided trip on the Truckee. Local guides like Reno Fly Shop and Arlo's Fly Fishing can compress years of learning into a few hours. Then apply those skills to explore on your own.

Local Insider Tips

What experienced Nevada anglers do differently:

Pyramid Lake:

• Skip the famous Nets on weekends—Warrior Point and Pelican Point fish just as well with fewer crowds
• Watch the seagulls. When they're diving, fish are pushing baitfish shallow. Move toward the activity.
• Dark mornings after cold nights can be slow. Fish pick up as water warms past 42°F—usually mid-morning.
• Rent a ladder your first trip before investing in your own. Some locals use fancy setups; others fish from milk crates. Find what works.

Truckee River:

• The "midge hatch" isn't really a hatch—it's constant. Size 18-24 midges work all day, every day, year-round.
• Downtown Reno gets hammered on weekends. Fish Tuesdays and Wednesdays for solitude.
• After a rainstorm, the river below Verdi runs cleaner than sections below Reno's storm drains.

East Walker:

• November 1-15 is the secret window: low flows, no crowds, before the closure. Many locals save vacation days for this period.
• The canyon sections require more effort to reach but fish 10x better than Rosaschi Ranch, which gets pounded.

Ruby Mountains:

• Lamoille Lake is the first lake everyone hikes to. Go one lake further for solitude.
• Early July can still have snow at higher lakes. Check with Elko Fly Shop before making the drive.

General:

• NDOW's weekly stocking reports tell you exactly which waters got fish and when. Time your trips 2-3 days after stocking for eager, unpressured fish.
• Nevada's "Free Fishing Day" (June 14, 2025) is the most crowded day of the year. Avoid popular waters.

What Makes Nevada Different

Trophy Lahontan Cutthroat: Nowhere else in the world can you catch 10-25 pound cutthroat from shore.

Six Native Trout Species: Lahontan, Bonneville, Humboldt cutthroat; bull trout; redband; Yellowstone cutthroat.

Bull Trout Access: The Jarbidge is one of the few places in the Lower 48 to catch federally-listed bull trout.

Ladder Fishing: A technique unique to Pyramid Lake.

Desert Stillwaters: Big Springs and Sheep Creek produce trophy rainbows in water that looks more like antelope habitat than trout country.

Fewer Crowds: Compared to Montana, Colorado, or California—solitude comes easier here.

Year-Round Fishing: Most waters never close. The exception (East Walker) still gives you November 1-15.

Safety Notes

Cold water:

• Pyramid Lake hovers around 38-45°F year-round. Extended immersion leads to hypothermia within minutes.
• Truckee tailwater sections run cold (38-50°F) even in summer. Wear waders with layers underneath.
• If you fall in at Pyramid Lake, get out immediately and have dry clothes in your vehicle.

Desert heat:

• Nevada's 6-10% humidity makes heat feel less dangerous than it is. You won't sweat obviously.
• Carry 1 gallon of water per person per 4-6 hours minimum. More for hiking.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion: headache, dizziness, nausea. Get to shade and hydrate.

Remote access:

• Jarbidge has no cell service. Tell someone your plans and expected return time.
• Ruby Mountains are wilderness—carry emergency supplies, navigation, and first aid.
• Vehicle breakdowns on Jarbidge road can strand you for hours before help arrives.

Altitude:

• Pyramid Lake: 3,800 feet
• Truckee River: 4,500-5,500 feet
• Wild Horse Reservoir: 6,200 feet
• Ruby Mountain lakes: 9,000-10,500 feet
• Altitude sickness symptoms start above 8,000 feet for some people. Acclimate before strenuous hiking.

Ladder fishing hazards:

• Practice setting up your ladder on dry land first
• Never wade to your ladder position alone—have a fishing partner nearby
• Hypothermia sets in fast if you fall off a ladder into 40°F water
• Carry a change of clothes in your vehicle

Rattlesnakes:

• Present in low-elevation desert areas, especially around Big Springs and Wild Horse
• Watch where you step when walking to access points
• Most active April through October

Using RiverReports

Nevada's fishing success depends heavily on timing flows and conditions:

• Check current flows against the windows above
• Compare waters: If your target is blown out, find alternatives
• Track trends: Rising, falling, or stable matters
• Historical data: Understand typical conditions for your dates

Key Nevada USGS gauges (set up alerts for your target flows):

• Truckee River at Reno — USGS 10348000 (view on RiverReports)
• Truckee River near Sparks — USGS 10348200 (view on RiverReports)
• East Walker River near Bridgeport — USGS 10293000 (view on RiverReports)
• East Walker River above Strosnider Ditch — USGS 10293500 (view on RiverReports)
• East Fork Carson River near Gardnerville — USGS 10309000 (view on RiverReports)
• Carson River near Carson City — USGS 10311000 (view on RiverReports)

Download the RiverReports app for mobile access and flow alerts.

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