With more than 200 lakes and reservoirs and upwards of 600 rivers and streams, opportunities to toss a hook in run deep in Nevada. Wide-open spaces give anglers room to breathe and plenty of time to linger along remote backcountry streams, high-desert lakes full of trophy trout, and surprising shoreline access even near bigger cities. And because many of these waters see fewer crowds than in neighboring states, it’s not uncommon to have an entire cove—or canyon—all to yourself.
Fishing in Nevada
Gone Fishing
No matter your skill level or style, the waters here are ready. Just pack your gear, check the regs, and get ready to fish your way into the quiet side of the Silver State.
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The Best Places to Fish in Nevada
You’ll find excellent fishing all over the Silver State, from high-elevation creeks to sprawling desert reservoirs. Whether you’re looking to hook a trophy striped bass or a gargantuan 40-pound Lahontan cutthroat trout, Nevada’s waters offer some of the most diverse angling in the West.
Jarbidge River
Nestled in deep canyons not far from the Idaho border, the Jarbidge River has long beckoned anglers into one of the most remote wilderness areas in the Lower 48. Boasting redband, brook, bull, and rainbow trout, this legendary river—usually accessible June through October—is one of Nevada’s most scenic and rewarding fishing spots (and a must-visit for anglers chasing the International Game Fish Association’s Trout Royal Slam).
Lamoille Canyon
Glacier-carved peaks and trout-filled alpine lakes make the Ruby Mountains a dream for hikers and anglers. Cast for brookies and rainbows above the beaver ponds in Lamoille Canyon, or hike into the backcountry along the Ruby Crest Trail for tiger trout at gems like Liberty, Overton, and Island Lakes.
Pyramid Lake
Towering tufa formations and turquoise waters set the stage for one of the most unique fishing experiences in the West: Pyramid Lake. On this ancient shoreline, anglers perch on ladders in the shallows, casting for Lahontan cutthroat trout that can tip the scales at over 40 pounds.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
A permit from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is required for fishing (and other recreation) at Pyramid Lake. Visit their website to get complete fishing guidelines and buy your permit online.
Truckee River
The Truckee River flows from Lake Tahoe and empties into Pyramid Lake, offering year-round trout fishing along some spectacular northern Nevada scenery ranging from desert canyons to urban environments. The western stretch is steep and cool, while the eastern is slower, shaded, and home to wild browns and rainbows hiding in cottonwood-lined pools.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
All seven trout required to achieve the International Game Fish Association’s Trout Royal Slam are found in Nevada’s waterways.
Lake Mead
Formed by Hoover Dam and sprawling across two states, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is a warmwater angler’s paradise. With catching weighing up to 40 pounds, striped bass are the stars of the show here. But the lake also delivers largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie—especially in the fertile waters of the Overton Arm.
Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Just south of Elko, this national wildlife refuge is a surprisingly lush oasis. The marshy wetland nestled just below the towering Ruby Mountains is a prime fishing location—and home to one of Nevada’s only largemouth bass fisheries. Best of all, whether you fish from the shoreline or drift through the reeds, you’ll be trying your luck in waters packed with six varieties of trout.
Topaz Lake
Tucked along the Nevada-California border south of Carson Valley, Topaz Lake is a quiet reservoir and a favorite among locals. Rainbow, brown, tiger, and bowcutt trout cruise these high-desert waters, with modern campsites, boat ramps, and fish-cleaning stations rounding out the setup.
Walker River State Recreation Area
Once private ranchland, this legendary stretch of the East Walker is now a crown jewel of Nevada’s public waters. The Elbow—one of the most revered fly fishing runs in the state—winds through 12,000 acres of protected rangeland, offering primitive riverside campsites and, of course, access to excellent angling.
Beaver Dam State Park
Tucked deep in Nevada’s southeastern backcountry, Beaver Dam State Park is an off-grid haven for small-stream fly fishing. Rainbow trout run cool creeks that meander past waterfalls, slot canyons, and forested trails—perfect for Tenkara fans and wilderness lovers alike.
Great Basin National Park
Nevada’s only national park is home to alpine lakes, ancient bristlecone pines, and the last active glacier in the state. Cast for Bonneville cutthroat, rainbows, and brookies beneath 13,000-foot Wheeler Peak, then camp under some of the darkest skies in the U.S.
Getting a Nevada Fishing License
Before casting a line in the Silver State, be sure to get a Nevada Fishing License. Get yours from the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s (NDOW) website. In addition to licensure, NDOW also offers fishing guides, maps, stocking updates, and other helpful info.
If you plan to fish at Pyramid Lake, a permit from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe is required. Day-use and three-day permits are typically available. Get complete fishing guidelines, resources, and permits from the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nevada have good fishing?
Nevada offers fantastic fishing opportunities across the state, with everything from trout in high-desert lakes to bass in the Colorado River and Lake Mead. Popular fish species include Lahontan cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, and bass.
Can you fish in Nevada without a license?
Fishing in Nevada requires a license. Anyone over the age of 12 is required to have a fishing license in Nevada. Fortunately, these licenses are valid across the state—though you will need a separate permit if you aim to angle at Pyramid Lake.
How much does it cost for a fishing license in Nevada?
An annual fishing license is $40 for residents and $80 for non-residents. For youth and daily permits, check with NDOW.
Does Nevada have a free fishing day?
Nevada offers a free fishing day—a day you may fish without a license—once a year on the second Saturday of June. For more information, visit NDOW’s website.
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