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Nevada · Fishing
Mountain City sits in the northeastern corner of Nevada, tucked into Elko County where the Owyhee River drainage shapes the landscape and keeps a handful of reservoirs fed through most of the year.
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Mountain City sits in the northeastern corner of Nevada, tucked into Elko County where the Owyhee River drainage shapes the landscape and keeps a handful of reservoirs fed through most of the year. The fishing around here centers on three stillwater destinations: Wild Horse Reservoir, Round Mountain Reservoir, and Rubber Lake. Wild Horse is the anchor of the area — it's the largest body of water nearby and the one most anglers make the drive for, with enough shoreline and depth to hold fish through summer when smaller waters start to warm and slow down. Round Mountain Reservoir is a quieter option that sees less pressure, which can work in your favor if you're willing to explore a bit. Rubber Lake is the smallest of the three and worth knowing about if the other spots are crowded or if you want a more low-key outing. All three are lake fishing situations, so you're working from shore or a small watercraft rather than wading a river. The region is remote enough that you should plan ahead — Mountain City itself is a small community, and services thin out quickly once you leave town. Fuel up, bring your own supplies, and check Nevada Department of Wildlife regulations before you go.
Nevada Department of Wildlife stocks and manages Wild Horse Reservoir, and it has historically held rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and crappie, though species composition can shift depending on recent stocking and water conditions. Check the NDOW website for current stocking reports before your trip since that will give you the most accurate picture of what's in the water right now. Round Mountain Reservoir and Rubber Lake are smaller and may carry different species mixes, so it's worth calling the NDOW Elko office directly if those are your target destinations.
Spring and early summer tend to be the most productive windows, after ice-off and before the water temperature peaks in July and August. Fall can also be solid, particularly for trout, as water temps drop and fish become more active again. Midsummer fishing is possible but slower during the warmest part of the day, so early morning outings will serve you better than midday sessions.
Round Mountain Reservoir
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Jarbidge River - Lower Canyon
~1h 4m drive
Hard
Trout Creek - Jarbidge Wilderness
~1h 6m drive
Expert
The Forks Campground
~1h 14m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Lake Billy Shaw
~25 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Juniper Grove Campground
~1h 15m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Wild Horse Reservoir
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Big Cottonwood Campground
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Wild Horse Reservoir
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
Juniper Basin Reservoir
~44 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
East Horse Basin Reservoir
~45 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Corral Lake Reservoir
~57 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NV.
A medium spinning or baitcasting setup handles most situations at these reservoirs. For trout, PowerBait, small spinners, and night crawlers are reliable producers from shore. If you're targeting bass or crappie at Wild Horse, bring a selection of soft plastics and small jigs. A small inflatable or kayak opens up more water at Wild Horse in particular, since the reservoir is large enough that shore access only gets you so far.
Yes, a valid Nevada fishing license is required for anyone 12 and older. Wild Horse Reservoir may have specific slot limits or gear restrictions that differ from general statewide rules, so review the current NDOW regulations booklet or the online regulations tool for Elko County waters before you go. Regulations can change season to season and it's your responsibility to know the current rules for each specific water body.
Wild Horse Reservoir is the most accessible of the three, reached via a paved road off Nevada Route 225 north of Mountain City, and it has a developed boat ramp and basic facilities. Round Mountain Reservoir and Rubber Lake involve more rural road travel and you should confirm current road conditions, especially in early spring or after wet weather. Cell service in this part of Elko County is unreliable, so download offline maps, carry extra water and food, and let someone know your plans before heading out.
