My favorite, Cabela’s, is located just outside Reno on I-80 in Verdi. Think about keeping any legal-size cutthroat trout caught that is bleeding a lot. Keep your trophy shot sessions brief. This will cost you some big $$. Its humble beginnings were as milk crates that anglers would stand on to raise themselves up from wadding into deeper water, allowing them to cast easier and farther. Two 8lb. The Kingfisher is a manual downrigger with a fast 2-ft.-per-turn retrieval rate and a smooth one- hand operation clutch system for a controlled descent. Depending on exactly … That environment has shaped the lake in such a way that the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout  (LCT) that inhabit the lake feed very close to shore in shallow water. Learning about new tactics, gear, species, and conditions is all part of what makes it challenging and enjoyable for me. This area is rich with incredible sights and history. Try moving your ladder away from the drop off, or try not using the ladder at all and wading into the shallower water. Just high enough to fill your waders or knock you off your feet. The early bite is the most consistent bite. I start with darker lures, and use brighter colors as the day gets bright. Thanks for the comment! Essentially making the drop very difficult, if not impossible, to reach with a fly cast from shore. This unit includes a 23″ x 3/4″massive stainless boom, removable slide mount, automatic safety brake, slip clutch, 200 ft. of 150-lb.-test cable, power grip plus release, positive drive counter, and one rod holder. Ladder fishing has evolved over 40 plus years of fly fishing at Pyramid lake. Count down a few seconds and allow the line to settle, then retrieve the lure keeping it close to the bottom. It is known as the remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan that covered much of Nevada territory during Ice Age. Pyramid Lake, Home of the World's largest Cutthroat Trout. A true Bucket List Fly Fishing Destination for sure. It has a faster retrieve and more lifting power than any other downrigger available. The Propack also includes a 36″ to 60″ telescoping boom, auto-stop control, swivel mount with the tilt-up feature, and a weight-storage hook. As one of the last remnants of historic Lake Lahontan, Pyramid Lake holds the world record for largest trout ever caught on hook and line at 41 lbs. With padded chairs, extra rod racks and cup holders. Many anglers follow solunar charts to determine fish activity. The slot limit for Pyramid Lake requires cutthroat trout under 17 inches and between 20 and 24 inches be immediately released. No Nevada fishing license is needed only a tribal permit. This is where ladders are important! Take the Wadsworth/Pyramid Lake exit #43 and follow the signs into town. The slot limit for Pyramid Lake requires cutthroat trout under 17 inches and between 20 and 24 inches be immediately released. All three have helpful staff and a great selection. I like the Thomas Lures Cyclone Spoons. That way I only have to buy one type of plug for my trolling motor and downriggers. Specifically during the spring season, as temperatures rise and people come out from hibernation and begin lining up awaiting their chance to land a truly monstrous trout. From there, you can continue north on 447 to the west shore, or turn left on 446 to access Pyramid Lake's east side. You will see a lot of anglers positioned on ladders along these spots. When the fish are sluggish and need a little something different to look at, I attach a squid skirt to the rear treble. A place to share my love for the outdoors and everything to do with it. Some lures look sexy between 1-2 m.p.h. Most anglers will fish an area for an hour or two without a bite, then move to a new location. Lake Information. (with a few exceptions but I’ll get to those later) When ladders are used at these type of beaches fish are pushed away or spooked from feeding closer to shore. At the beginning of each fishing season, the cutthroat focus up near the shore. The Pyramid Fly Co. team has spent hundreds of hours in search of the best beaches and … Pyramid Lake, Nevada is located approximately 40 miles outside of The City of Reno in the state’s northwestern region. Also, trout don’t always feed the first time they see a prey item (fly). The Walker Tournament Combo Pak is an excellent downrigger. This is the perfect match for a small aluminum boat. Permit Vendors. Another great store to find tackle is Scheel’s. I think I got most of them. plus category rarely travels outside the waters in the temperature range of 52-56 degrees until the lake temps decrease. I caught the bug years ago using a little Cannon Mini Downrigger. Pyramid Lake is the ancestral home of the Pyramid Lake Paiute People of the Northern Nevada region. Two, winter water temperatures quickly steal any heat that you’ve gained from sitting in your heated truck. Automatic overload shut off and fully adjustable drag prevent damage. One of the most successful tools used by boat anglers is sonar. We’ve had a mild winter on Pyramid Lake Nevada, which often means not great fishing, but not this season! The model I use is the Scotty Electric 1116 Propack Quick Draw. Pyramid Lake is located in a remote desert area thirty-five miles northeast of Reno, Nevada. Fishing from ladders has become synonymous with Pyramid Lake. It includes a durable 2-ft. Superglas arm for weights up to 12 lbs., a single rod holder, deck mounting plate, line release, 200 ft. of premium-grade, 195-lb. At Pyramid Lake Guide Service we offer a complete fly fishing guide service for Pyramid Lake, including guides for BOTH Boat and Shoreline Fly Fishing. Even apex predators are spooked by movement or figures outside of the water as that is their primary source of predation from humans and Pelicans. For one, it’s a brackish lake, with the water being about 1/6 the salinity of seawater. It has built-in swivels. I agree, winds at Pyramid ramp up quick. My brothers and I meet up with Captain Joe Mendes and mate Rick and they took us out to "Hells Kitchen" for the best fishing trip ever. Located 64 km (40 mi) northeast of Reno Pyramid Lake is an endorheic water basin fed by the Truckee River. For thousands of years Pyramid Lake has been an excellent fishery. Then again from noon to 2 pm., and at sunset. 1. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For starters, this lake grows big cutthroat trout. The LCT will follow your flies right to your rod tip, this is a crucial moment as the trout will then decide to eat or flee. Remember to use barbless hooks. The lakes deepest point sits at about 350 feet. Try to keep your fish in the water after netting. This comes in real handy when fishing with kids. I’ve also seen some anglers casting small swimbaits. Others look downright tasty and provoke killer strikes at variable speeds up to 3 m.p.h.! Keep a safe distance!! I'm passionate about fishing and an avid multispecies angler. Within the pages of our website, you will find an abundance of information including our Guide Service, DIY trips, gear you need, places to stay, how to get licenses … So I packed up the family and took them on a trip to Reno Nevada. test cable. The mission of Pyramid Lake Fisheries is to operate and maintain fishery facilities at Pyramid Lake and the lower Truckee River for the purpose of enhancing Cui-ui and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout populations, while creating a balance within natural resources management actions, which reflects the social, cultural, economic, and natural resource values of the Pyramid Lake Paiute … On the east side of the lake like around the pyramids, I try to stay close to the shoreline where the bays drop off quickly. (Please see Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribal Regulations before fishing the lake, as it is on a Native American Reservation and NV fishing laws do not apply). Each downrigger in the 1116 Propack includes 250 ft. of stainless-steel premium downrigger cable, dually adjustable rod holders and an electric cord plug and boat socket. In the winter months, troll at slower speeds. This little trick has provoked some pretty good strikes when the bite falls off. Lastly, any wind or weather can create waves that reach a few feet high. Swimming a worm over and through shallow grass is a mainstay in Florida, and this ploy can draw strikes anywhere in the country where bass lurk in similar cover. First, providing trout and Cui-ui for the Native Paiute people, the Numu, for their daily survival; with the original giant Cutthroats weighing 40-60 pounds. They will write citations to anglers who are not using barbless hooks. The paint holds up well after multiple strikes. The lake will be opening on November 2nd for the season. People should also be aware the wind can pick up in 15 minutes make the lake a deadly place! It conjures images of massive Lahontan Cutthroat Trout I’ve caught over the years starting back in 1986. My third rig is a total game changer! Presented below are Tour Companies that offer guided fishing trips and/or fishing equipment rentals for lakes and rivers in and near Pyramid Lake. Steep drop offs surround the lake plunging from 3-15 vertical feet as you move away from shore. Let row B represent hours per fish caught fishing from the shore, and let row A represent hours per fish caught using a boat. No matter what type of boat you have, sonar is critical for you to locate the schools of chubs. You can learn more about the tribe's fascinating history at the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitors Center. I prefer to follow the weather fronts. Survival rates are significantly improved if you don't use a net or bring fish into the boat. Lake Map (print) Lake Map (large) Pyramid Lake Fisheries Website. I love being able to get the lure to a specific depth and swim it right in front of a trout. 2. So the next time you’re fishing the lake and fishing may be slow ask yourself if the fish are seeing you before you are seeing them, and make adjustments if necessary. Pyramid Lake Lodge is located in northwestern Nevada. When the fish are thick in numbers in shallow waters, I like to flat line troll. Boat fishing has always been a finely developed process at Pyramid Lake. Is there an inappropriate time to use a ladder? The shoreline is ruffly 99 percent treeless. A three-day adult license is $62. Daily fishing permits are … Pyramid Lake Tribal Code and Regulations can be found HERE. Sierra Spoons are incredible when casting or trolled. So unless you’re stuck in the snow, the reasons to not fish the lake are dwindling. If you’re looking to step up to downriggers, I prefer two brands, Scotty and Walker. Creel surveys show from 1992 to 2010, ten or more fish are released to a single fish kept. For any angler who has ever fished there, you know what I mean. I hope to offer some great information about this fishery including tips geared around trolling and spin fishing from shore that will make your next trip to this incredible fishery more successful. 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