Fishing at Pyramid Lake
Fall 2024
Don’t let this amazing experience be the one that got away.
BY MEGG MUELLER
In the northern Nevada desert, just east of Reno, lie the azure waters of Pyramid Lake. With its stunning beauty and rich history, it beckons anglers from far and wide, offering an opportunity to reel in some of the most prized fish species in the region.
A remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, Pyramid Lake is not just any ordinary fishing destination. It serves as the habitat for five distinct species of fish, each with its own tale to tell. At the center of this aquatic menagerie is the legendary Lahontan cutthroat trout, a species that once teetered on the brink of extinction.
Ancient Fish Story
Long before anglers cast their lines into its waters, the Lahontan cutthroat trout were plentiful throughout the lake. However, overfishing, habitat destruction, and the introduction of non-native species pushed these majestic fish to near extinction. By the mid-20th century, they were declared endangered, and Pyramid Lake became a battleground for conservation efforts.
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, rightful stewards of the lake, took up the mantle of protecting their ancestral waters and its inhabitants. Through years of dedication and collaboration with conservation organizations, they implemented stringent regulations and restoration projects to revive the dwindling population.
While still listed as threatened, the population has rebounded, offering anglers a chance to witness nature’s resilience firsthand.
Prepare To Be Impressed
Catching one of these beauties is exciting any time, but when you discover the record-holding catch weighed in at 41 pounds, it’s no wonder fishermen from all over flock to Pyramid Lake. Float tubes, boats, and fly casting from shore are all fair game, but securing one of the gargantuan fish sometimes requires unorthodox methods.
Anglers often stand on submerged ladders so they can get far enough away from shore to cast into the lakebed’s deep drop-off. According to Mike Anderson, a guide and instructor at Reno Fly Shop, some drop-offs are a few feet from the water’s edge, while others are more than 100 yards away and in 6-8 feet of water.
“This essentially makes the fish very difficult, if not impossible, to reach with a fly cast from shore. Unless you wade into the water to get as close to the drop-off as possible. Wading into 4-5 feet of water has its disadvantages, however,” Anderson says. “For one, casting any great distance is inhibited. Two, winter water temperatures quickly steal any heat from the body. Finally, any wind or weather can create waves that are high enough to fill your waders or knock you off your feet.”
Ladders keep anglers out of the water and able to cast longer distances. While you may not reel in a 40-pounder, know that 20-pound catches are normal in these storied waters.
Ready That Cast
Among the other species that call Pyramid Lake home are the ancient Cui-ui, a critically endangered sucker fish that is endemic to the lake. According to Reno Fly Shop owner Jim Litchfield, that means the fish are catchable only as what is known as a “bycatch.” Bycatch is defined as the unintentional capture of a non-target species.
“Due to the significance of Tribal customs and the special status of the Cui-ui, they cannot be targeted while fishing,” Litchfield explains.
Tui chub, Sacramento perch, and the Tahoe sucker also inhabit the waters and play a vital role in the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
Fishing season for Lahontan cutthroat trout begins October 1 and ends June 30. For those seeking the ultimate fishing experience, early mornings and late evenings offer the best chance of hooking a trophy.
Fishing season for Sacramento perch is open year-round, and fishermen are allowed to catch and keep 10 per day. Permits from the Tribe are necessary for fishing; Nevada fishing licenses are not required, however. Barbless hooks are required, and bait fishing is strictly prohibited.
Hiring a professional guide is a great way to go if you’ve not fished at the lake or want to increase your chance of catching a big beast. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe maintains a list of approved guides, like Reno Fly Shop.
A Day Well Spent
Whether you’ve cast your line at Pyramid Lake a thousand times or you’ve never fished it before, a day spent at this special place is always rewarding. As the sun dips below the horizon, it’s easy to depart with a renewed or newfound appreciation for this remarkable landscape.