Fishing Season: October 1- June 30

Pyramid Lake - NV

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

45

Orvis Reno's Tip of the Week

The fishing at Pyramid in December can be tricky. The tui-chub are mostly gone at this point and the trout are more scattered. The name of the game this time of year is usually quality over quantity. We see some of the biggest fish get pulled out in December but they can be hard to come by. We haven't noticed any consistent bite windows or patterns as of late. It's mostly been a waiting game as you hope some fish move past your flies. Low light hours like morning and evening have been more consistent. Stripping has been good but the indicator has generally been more productive. On calmer days the midge bite has been better but leeches have productive in windier conditions. Most of our bites have come between 8 and 15 feet.

Directions open in app

Map of Pyramid Lake

5-Day Outlook as of 12/9/23

The weather is going to warm up over the next week with temperatures in the mid 40s to low 50s. We are going to see some cloud cover throughout the week with a few minor systems moving through the area. The fishing next week should pick up as the change in weather will get the fish moving.

Techniques & Tips as of 12/9/23

Indicator fishing has been the more productive method the last few weeks. Midges and balanced leeches between 8 and 15 feet has produced the most fish. Stripping beetles, boobies, and buggers can has also been good.

Local Species Available October 1- June 30

  • Fish Icon

    Lahontan Cutthroat

Orvis Reno's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Woolly Bugger Olive 8
Freshwater Clouser White 8
Cowen's Baitfish Black 8
Woolly Bugger Black 8
Balanced Leechs black, chartreuse, o 8-12
Beetles/boobys chartreuse, black 6
Tungsten Cone Head Woolly Bugger Black 6
Clouser Minnow Olive, White 6
Drop Dead Minnow White, Olive, Black 4

Woolly Bugger

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Item #0878

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Orvis Reno's Recommended Gear

Description: About Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake is a desert lake located on Paiute Indian reservation land. A Nevada fishing license is not needed, however a permit must be purchased for fishing or boating on the lake. At 11 miles long and 4 miles wide, this is a very large lake that can be quite intimidating to the first time fisherman, however it can be fished similar to many other small stillwaters. It can also be a very demanding piece of water to fish due to the wind and cold. However the rewards definitely more than make up for the elements. Pyramid Lake is home to the Lahontan Cutthroat which grows to epic porportions. Ten plus pound fish are not out of the ordinary and large fish push 20 plus pounds.

Nearest Airport:

Reno-Tahoe

Hatches:

Tui Chub Bait fish Balanced leech Beetles

Best Time to Fish:

Early morning into the evenings (all day)

Best Stretch:

The northern half of the lake has been more productive in the last few weeks. Look for beaches with drop offs.

Best Access:

Windless Bay, Pelican Point, and Warrior Point.