Nevada · Fishing
Fishing in Nevada
Nevada is not the first state most anglers think of, but that works in your favor. With 106 active fishing spots across the state, you can find everything from high-elevation alpine lakes in the Ruby Mountains near Ruby Valley to desert
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View on mapFishing · 106 spots
Nevada is not the first state most anglers think of, but that works in your favor. With 106 active fishing spots across the state, you can find everything from high-elevation alpine lakes in the Ruby Mountains near Ruby Valley to desert reservoirs like Topaz Lake near Gardnerville, which sits at 5,020 feet and holds rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. The Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge South Marsh, at 6,010 feet, adds largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and Sacramento perch to the mix in a setting that doubles as serious wildlife habitat. Remote options like Wild Horse Reservoir near Mountain City and the Quinn River Lakes near Orovada see far less pressure than comparable waters in neighboring states. River fishing shows up too, with spots like Bird Creek Campground and Timber Creek Campground near McGill offering moving-water access that breaks up the reservoir-heavy landscape. Access ranges from easy pull-up spots like Topaz Lake to more committed drives out to places like Soldier Lakes near Ruby Valley. Nevada rewards anglers who do a little homework before they go, because distances between spots are real and services are sparse once you leave the main corridors.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I realistically target fishing in Nevada?
Trout are the most consistent target statewide, with rainbow and brown trout present at waters like Topaz Lake near Gardnerville. Warmwater species are available too: Topaz holds smallmouth bass, and Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge South Marsh near Ruby Valley has largemouth bass and Sacramento perch, which is an uncommon native species worth targeting if you haven't caught one before.
When is the best time of year to fish Nevada lakes and reservoirs?
Spring and fall are the most productive windows for trout at mid-elevation reservoirs like Topaz Lake, where water temperatures are in the right range and fish are actively feeding near the surface. Summer fishing at higher-elevation spots like Soldier Lakes or Lake Phyllis near Lamoille holds up better than at lower desert reservoirs, where heat pushes fish deep by midday. Early morning and evening are worth prioritizing in summer regardless of where you're fishing.
Do I need a Nevada fishing license, and are there any special regulations I should know about?
Yes, a Nevada fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older. Some waters, including areas within the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, may have additional access or use restrictions layered on top of standard state regulations. Check the Nevada Department of Wildlife website and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site for refuge-specific rules before heading to South Marsh.
How remote are these fishing spots, and what should I plan for access?
It varies considerably. Topaz Lake near Gardnerville is straightforward paved-road access with facilities nearby. Places like Wild Horse Reservoir near Mountain City, Quinn River Lakes near Orovada, or Steer Lake near Gerlach involve long drives on dirt or gravel roads where a high-clearance vehicle is a practical necessity. Fuel up and carry water before heading into the more remote corners of the state, because services can be 50 or more miles away.
What gear setup works across most Nevada fishing spots?
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most trout and bass situations at Nevada lakes and reservoirs. For trout at places like Topaz Lake or Comins Lake near Ely, standard spinners, PowerBait, and small spoons cover the bases. If you're targeting largemouth bass at Ruby Lake South Marsh, bring a few soft plastics and topwater options for early morning. Waders are useful for river spots near McGill but not required at most lake and reservoir access points.
