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Nevada · Fishing
Fishing near Lovelock, Nevada centers on two stillwater destinations in the high desert: Upper Pitt-Taylor Reservoir and Upper Humboldt Lake. Both are lake fisheries, which means your approach here is shore casting or small watercraft rather than wading a river.
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Fishing near Lovelock, Nevada centers on two stillwater destinations in the high desert: Upper Pitt-Taylor Reservoir and Upper Humboldt Lake. Both are lake fisheries, which means your approach here is shore casting or small watercraft rather than wading a river. The Great Basin setting shapes everything about the experience — expect wide-open skies, minimal shade, and water levels that can shift meaningfully depending on snowpack and irrigation demands upstream. Neither water body sits in a heavily trafficked corridor, so crowds are rarely a concern, but that also means you're largely on your own if something goes wrong. Cell coverage in Pershing County outside of town is spotty at best. Come prepared with water, sun protection, and a Nevada fishing license before you leave Lovelock, since there's no bait shop waiting at the reservoir. If you're driving out from the I-80 corridor, the fishing here is a legitimate half-day or full-day outing rather than a quick stop, so plan your timing accordingly. Early mornings and late afternoons are your best windows in warmer months when midday heat pushes fish deeper.
Both active fishing destinations near Lovelock — Upper Pitt-Taylor Reservoir and Upper Humboldt Lake — are lake fisheries. You're fishing still water, not streams or rivers, so techniques like still fishing with bait, casting spinners from shore, or trolling from a small boat or kayak are the practical approaches here.
Yes, a valid Nevada fishing license is required. Pick one up before leaving Lovelock or purchase online through the Nevada Department of Wildlife website, since there are no license vendors at either reservoir. Check NDOW's current regulations for any site-specific rules before you go.
Upper Pitt-Taylor Reservoir
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Upper Humboldt Lake
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Upper Humboldt Lake
~40 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Upper Pitt-Taylor Reservoir
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Upper Pitt-Taylor Reservoir
~42 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Toulon Lake
~51 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Big Water
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Pintail Bay
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Also worth it near here
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows, especially from late spring through early fall when midday temperatures in the Nevada desert push fish into deeper, cooler water. In cooler months, midday fishing can be just as effective.
These are small, remote Great Basin reservoirs rather than developed recreation areas, so formal boat ramp infrastructure is not guaranteed. A lightweight kayak, canoe, or small inflatable is a more practical option than a trailered motorboat. Confirm current access conditions with the Nevada Department of Wildlife or Pershing County before your trip, as road and water conditions can change seasonally.
Lake fishing from shore is one of the more approachable styles of fishing, so yes, beginners can have a reasonable experience here. That said, the remote desert setting means you need to be self-sufficient with water, food, and basic gear — this isn't a managed recreation area with facilities nearby. Go with someone experienced your first time if you're new to fishing in remote Nevada locations.
