Why fry? Try Rye.

The heat of summer drives many a local and visitor to Nevada's waterways. In northeastern Nevada, the waterway of choice is Rye Patch Reservoir, a designated State Recreation Area with plenty of shaded campsites, challenging hiking trails and a fresh, cool lake. Get there from Interstate 80 midway between Lovelock and Winnemucca.

Rye Patch is perhaps most used by water-sports enthusiasts who use the long length of the 11,000-acre lake for water skiing and wakeboarding. The lake was created by a dam on the Humboldt River, and the river meanders westward below the dam while the lake stretches east above the dam.

Anglers can try their luck with crappie, wipers, channel catfish, white bass, black bass and walleye. The lakeshore is somewhat barren with little shade, but the river below the dam is lined with towering cottonwoods. There is a picnic area on the bank of the river with tables, grills and restrooms, as well as an interpretive hiking trail. The group picnic area above the dam can hold up to 100 people and has restrooms, grills and covered picnic tables.

There are two campgrounds, one by the river and one by the lake. Campers who want easy access to the boat launch will likely want to stay on the lakeside, but all campers will be happy to know that both campgrounds have flush toilets and hot showers.

If you head out to Rye Patch for a day trip or a long weekend, be sure to stock up on supplies because there are no services at the reservoir. If you're in the mood for exploring, stop in at Lovelock's Visitors Center and ask about the Lovelock Caves nearby. The caves were used by Native Indians 2,000 years ago, and a archaeological dig in the early 1900s uncovered many artifacts including tulle duck decoys that were made our official state artifact. Visitors can hike and explore the area, but pick up a brochure from the Visitors Center or the Marzen House Museum for more information.