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Nevada · Fishing
Jarbidge sits in one of the most remote corners of Nevada, and the fishing here reflects that isolation in the best possible way.
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Jarbidge sits in one of the most remote corners of Nevada, and the fishing here reflects that isolation in the best possible way. The Jarbidge River and its tributaries run through a deep canyon system that sees a fraction of the pressure you'd find on better-known Nevada waters, and the fish behave accordingly. The three fishable spots in and around town range from the relatively approachable Little Reservoir to the demanding wade-and-scramble work required on Trout Creek deep in the Jarbidge Wilderness at 6,800 feet. The lower Jarbidge River canyon at 6,200 feet holds both cutthroat and brown trout and is rated hard, meaning the terrain and technical casting matter as much as your fly selection. Trout Creek steps that up further to expert level, where you're dealing with tight brushy corridors, unstable footing, and fish that don't see many anglers but also don't forgive sloppy presentations. If you're driving the hours it takes to reach Jarbidge, it's worth planning for at least two days so you can sample more than one water.
Cutthroat trout are present in both Trout Creek and the Jarbidge River. The lower Jarbidge River canyon also holds brown trout, which tend to run larger and are more active during low-light periods. Little Reservoir is the only still-water option listed and is worth checking if river conditions are off.
It varies significantly by water. Little Reservoir is the most accessible. The lower Jarbidge River canyon is rated hard, which reflects both the canyon terrain and the casting precision required in moving water. Trout Creek in the Jarbidge Wilderness is rated expert, so you should be comfortable with off-trail hiking, reading technical pocket water, and presenting a fly accurately in tight quarters before committing to that one.
Jarbidge River - Lower Canyon
~9 min drive
Hard
Trout Creek - Jarbidge Wilderness
~10 min drive
Expert
Little Reservoir
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Big Cottonwood Campground
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
The Forks Campground
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Juniper Grove Campground
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Wild Horse Reservoir
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Wild Horse Reservoir
~37 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Round Mountain Reservoir
~1h 13m drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Lake Billy Shaw
~1h 15m drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Grasmere Reservoir
~1h 19m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Also worth it near here
Runoff from snowmelt typically keeps the river high and off-color into late spring, so most anglers target late June through September. By mid-July the flows have usually dropped enough for effective wading in the canyon. Early mornings and evenings are the most productive windows during summer when midday temperatures push fish into slower, deeper water.
A 3 or 4-weight rod in the 7.5 to 9-foot range handles most situations on the river. Trout Creek's brushy, tight conditions may favor a shorter rod if you have one. Bring wading boots with good ankle support since both the canyon and wilderness creek involve uneven, rocky footing. A standard selection of dry flies, nymphs, and small streamers covers the cutthroat and brown trout you're likely to encounter.
Nevada fishing regulations apply throughout, so a valid Nevada fishing license is required. The Jarbidge Wilderness is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and while no special wilderness permit is currently required for day use, regulations can change and it's worth confirming current rules with the BLM Elko District office before your trip. Don't rely on cell service for last-minute lookups once you're in the area.
