Have you heard the stories about Cutthroat Trout weighing over 20 pounds smack dab in the middle of Nevada? Well, I’m here to tell you that not only are they true, that caliber of fish is accessible for DIY and guided anglers. Pyramid Lake is located in northern Nevada and is one of the best Cutthroat fisheries in the world.
For adventurous anglers looking to catch a monster, consider planning a trip to this amazing fishery. The undeveloped landscape and unique ecosystem are really spectacular.
Why Choose Pyramid Lake for a Fishing Trip?
There are plenty of destinations to chase, but Pyramid Lake is worth exploring for a number of reasons, the biggest being enormous Cutthroat Trout. That’s far from the only one, however.
The lake sits on a Paiute Indian Reservation that is largely undeveloped. The landscape is high desert, within the Great Basin, and is stunning from every perspective. Some of the best sunsets I’ve experienced on the water were at Pyramid Lake.
It’s also unique in that fishing the lake feels more like an ocean trip. The water is alkaline and calls for saltwater-worthy gear, and the beaches are sandy with shallow flats and deep dropoffs. You can fish from watercraft, trolling the turquoise depths, or cast from the many beaches. Both options offer the chance at a trophy Trout.
Understanding Lahontan Cutthroat Trout
It’s worth taking a minute to discuss the species in Pyramid Lake. These aren’t your ordinary strains of Cutthroat Trout. They evolved in the Great Basin when the waters were ocean connected. When waters receded, large inland lakes remained, where unique strains of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout developed.
In Pyramid Lake specifically, the Pilot Peak strain exists. These were once thought extinct, but a biologist identified the strain in a remote stream in Utah. After successful transplanting, these little Trout expressed their growth genes and began exceeding 20 pounds in size. When I was young, the lake had Walker Lake strain Cutthroats, which reached sizes over 10 pounds, with the rare 15-pounder. Today, 10 pounds is common.
Outside of the Cutthroat Trout, anglers might catch the baitfish consumed by Trout. These are incidental catches, with potential for Tui Chub, Cui-ui, and suckers. Perch are present, as are carp, but are rarely pursued outside of summer.
How to Go Fishing at Pyramid Lake
For traveling anglers, Pyramid Lake is conveniently close to Reno, Nevada. It’s less than an hour’s drive from a major international airport. Although close, you wouldn’t know it when looking at the wild landscape.
Don’t bother purchasing a Nevada fishing license ahead of the trip unless you plan on fishing other waters in the state. Pyramid Lake is managed by the Paiute Tribe, and your fishing license is purchased through their system. You can do this online or in person at the lake. You will need a permit for fishing and boating, and anyone who isn’t fishing will also need a recreational permit. Camping permits are purchased separately as well.
Speaking of camping, this is a great way to experience the lake. You can camp in a tent or trailer right on the beaches in many spots. You’ll have world-class fishing right at camp! Otherwise, there is a motel and RV park at the marina, or plenty of places to stay nearby in Reno.
Fishing Regulations on Pyramid Lake
In terms of fishing specifics, pay close attention to the regulations. Some areas are closed, and there are special regulations that apply to all anglers. A few notable points include:
- No bait fishing. Artificial flies and lures are allowed, but no bait. This includes PowerBait, worms, and any other type of bait.
- No barbed hooks. You can fish multiple hooks and treble hooks, but no barbs are allowed.
- Catch-and-keep limits apply. There are slot limits, with two fish per angler. You can’t fillet fish on-site because rangers want to verify your catch.
There are a number of other rules for boaters, anglers, and campers. Pay attention to the regulations in the booklet and the information found online. The rangers are proactive but also very nice, in my experience.
Top Beaches for Bank and Wade Fishing
One of the more difficult things involves beach selection. It seems that a new beach is hot each year. You won’t have any issues locating these spots, as they will have anglers lined up, many of whom are fishing off ladders in the water. Boats will also patrol the outer edges of dropoffs in these areas.
I love exploring the quiet zones, however. It’s nice to have a sink tip or a deep-sinking spoon to cast on deep dropoffs with few anglers. Even if the action is slower, it’s worth exploring. Many of the bigger fish are caught this way. That said, when the fishing is hot, it pays to join the crowds. The fishing can be lights-out, and most anglers are very friendly with each other.
Popcorn
This is a longtime favorite beach to target for both gear and fly anglers. It tends to drop off sharply, with easy access to deep water from shore. Boats can work the outer limits of deep water as well. Some years it’s full of fish, and it’s lighter in other years.
North and South Nets
Both of these are go-to beaches for locals and visitors alike. They are consistent and produce great fishing every year. It’s especially good to work these areas in spring, when fish patrol the shallows in search of spawning grounds. They are also close to the hatchery, where fish are reared and released as fingerlings. This makes for a popular spot to work in March and April, especially.
Pelican Point
This is one of my favorite beaches. It’s easy to access, has great camping, and offers some wind breaks. The wind can really rip, making for big waves and rough conditions. Head to Pelican if you want a bit of shelter. It’s also a hot beach in many years, with tons of action. It’s not unpopular, so expect some company.
Warrior Point
This one is a bit less popular and nuanced in terms of finding the dropoff. Warrior is a ton of fun, however, and I love fishing here with my fly rod. It has plenty of space to spread out and can really turn on when the conditions are right.
Favorite Flies and Lures
The fly and lure selection is pretty straightforward here. Of course, everyone has their secret sauce, but the fish are predatory and focus heavily on baitfish. Fly anglers do well with balanced leeches, Woolly Buggers, and foam beetles fished on sinking lines. Chironomids and balanced leeches fished on floating lines with indicators are also popular.
For gear, I favor a simple spoon off the deep beaches or when trolling. Orange or chartreuse work well, and they sink quickly. Spinners, crankbaits, and other lures can also get the job done. When the bite is slow and the fish are finicky, a jig is hard to beat. Drop it off a boat and use your electronics to get the perfect depth. Jigs also do well on a cast-and-retrieve from the shoreline.
When to Plan Your Pyramid Lake Fishing Trip
Timing is critical at this fishery. If you don’t mind fishing in a crowd, spring is the most productive time from shore or while wading. This is largely due to spawning conditions. Fish come close to shore, looking for the hatchery or other freshwater inlets where they can spawn.
- Fall season. Trout fishing opens October 1, and it’s not uncommon to have water temperatures keeping fish down deep. This is a great time for boat anglers with downriggers and deeper trolling systems to stay busy. Beach fishing is slower but still has potential, especially in November as water temperatures cool.
- Mid-winter. The dead of winter offers a mix of mild and extremely cold days. The wind can rip, and conditions are generally less predictable. Fishing is hit or miss from shore, but for those willing to brave the elements, it can produce some true monsters. It’s also less crowded, making it a great time to get out.
- Spring. This is the most popular and productive season. Hit the water in March and April for shots at big fish. They cruise shallow flats and nearshore dropoffs, making them accessible for fly and gear anglers working the beaches.
- Summer. Trout fishing ends June 30, and the hot fishing tends to taper off in May. After the spawn season, fish move back to deeper water, where boat anglers have the best odds. Bank fishing does remain productive, but less so than in the colder months. After the Trout season wraps up, it’s primarily a Perch fishery until the fall season opens again.
Are You Ready for the Fish of a Lifetime?
After making the trip, you’ll be planning the next one. Pyramid Lake has a following of dedicated anglers who return each year for more. The pull of a 20-pound Cutthroat Trout in a giant saltwater-like lake is completely unique. Every cast has the potential for the fish of a lifetime, and other anglers are often supportive and fun to fish alongside.
Are you a Pyramid Lake fishing insider? We’d love to hear your tips and favorite techniques for this famous fishery. Share your favorite flies, lures and techniques in the comments below!
The post Fishing Pyramid Lake in Nevada for Cutthroat Trout: An Expert’s Take for 2026 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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