East Walker River - One
of the region's, if not the country's, best trout streams.
Rainbows up to 5 lbs, Browns even bigger. Lots of good dry-fly
water along with tons of nymphing opportunities. Try the 'Big
Hole' below the Bridgeport Reservoir dam for big trout and the Rosachi
Ranch in Nevada for year round fishing. Rating:10
To read more on the
East Walker River Click Here.
Hinkson Slough - In the
Mason Valley WMA about 10 minutes north of Yerington, this small
series of ponds and channels was one of the premier trout fisheries in
the area. This is highly
productive water and requires skilled presentation to entice
strikes. I compare this water to some of the great spring creeks
in the west. I have caught
more 20-26 inch rainbows here than anywhere else I have fished.
And when the trout aren't in the mood to strike the bass fishing is
fun with 20-30 fish days not uncommon. Rating:9
Pyramid Lake - THE place
for trophy Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. A 17 pounder was caught in
2001 and 10-14 pound Cutts are taken weekly. Fishing is done
from a ladder so you can reach the drop-off or use a float tube in calm
conditions. Try the Nets for consistently bigger fish (and
bigger crowds), but monsters can be
found anywhere. I have even sight fished over 20-inch cutts on the
north side of the lake. Rating: 9
Truckee River - A fine
trout stream in some beautiful settings. You'll find Browns,
Rainbows and Cutts along with some Mountain Whitefish (and
Smallmouth?). A killer
Little Yellow Stone hatch in August is my favorite. Fish the
trophy section in Verdi, Nevada all year long, and just about anywhere
from Lake Tahoe to the state line when the river is open in California. Rating:
8
Frenchman's and Davis Reservoirs - About
45 minutes and one hour north of Reno, respectively, these large impoundments
have some voracious
Rainbows. A major Damselfly Nymph migration in June is a highlight,
though fish can be caught anytime the water is ice-free on dries,
nymphs and streamers. Wading the shallow bays can be productive,
as can float tubing. One hint: Hold onto your rod tight! Rating: 8
Hot Creek - Technical dry
fly fishing at its best/worst. These fish are picky but hardly
spooky. Stories are told that another fish will sometimes rise
between you and the fish you're trying to catch, they are that
brave. Of course, neither will take your fly without a perfect
drift. Big fish live in this little creek; I have personally
seen a 24 incher! There is some private land so beware. Rating: 8
Knott Creek Reservoir - Knott
is in the middle of nowhere north of Winnemucca but well worth the
trip. Rainbows in the double digits have been caught and the
Tiger Trout and Brook Trout aren't slouches either. The road may
be impassable during wet weather and 4WD is recommended.
Knott suffered a fish kill a couple of years back but has been
restocked and is fishing well again. Rating: 7
East Carson River - Another
fine east slope trout stream. Good fishing can be found from the
headwaters, through Markleeville and the wild trout section, down to
Minden. Much of the river below Markleeville is accessible only
on foot or in a raft. No trout are planted here due the wild
& scenic designation but the resident trout do quite nicely all alone like
that. For a virtual tour click
here. Rating: 7
Wildhorse Reservoir -
About 2-hours north of Elko, Wildhorse is a top-notch high desert
reservoir. Trout, bass and panfish can be had at this
impoundment, though the trout fishing is the highlight. Some
excellent fishing can also be had in the Owyhee River below the
dam. Try poppers for the bass at dusk in the warm summer
months. Rating: 7
Reese River - The Reese
River is a small stream that originates in the Arc Dome Wilderness at
the southern end of the Toiyabe Range in central Nevada. Most of
the better water requires a hike but eager, wild trout make it worth
the extra trouble. Most of the trail heads leading into the
wilderness will get you there but Cow Camp is probably the
easiest. Rating: 6
To read more on Nevada's
small streams Click Here.
Hobart Reservoir - Hobart
is a small impoundment in the Carson Range west of Carson City.
NDOW plants Rainbows and Cutthroat spawners up to 5 pounds.
Brook trout also inhabit the little lake and are easily taken on
dries. Hobart can be fished from shore but a float tube makes it
a lot easier. Access Hobart from Ash Canyon Road and the hike
about a mile from the parking area, which is 4 miles from Carson
City. Rating: 6
Desert Creek - A small
creek south of Wellington that runs through a deep canyon for most of
its length. A dirt road runs along the creek for about a third
of it's length with seven crossing of the creek. Find the open
water and you will find fish including Rainbows, Browns and Brook
Trout. The fish are both wild and planters and very
aggressive. Lots of camping along the creek too. Rating: 6
Lahontan Reservoir - Lahontan
is located about 40 minutes east of Carson City and is primarily a
warm-water fishery. Lahontan holds White Bass, Wipers, Walleye,
Black Bass and NDOW stocks Rainbow Trout. The Wipers can grow in
excess of 5 pounds and I have had 50 fish days on White Bass.
You don't need a boat or float tube as fish cruise the beaches looking
for meals, and it feels so good to wet wade when it's 100
degrees. Rating: 5
